I am writing to inform you that my colleagues on the Board of Education (Jacqueline Azbill, Jay Fabian, Michelle Hayes and Teresa Ward) voted me in to serve as the Board’s President for the 2010 year.       I am honored and excited about this opportunity to serve the Madison Schools in this capacity.  I can still remember my very first exposure to the Madison Community -- Mrs. Fish, Mrs. Marty, Mrs. Van Dyke, Mrs. Berry, Mr. Kartley and Mr. Kurila.  These were my teachers from first grade through sixth in the late 1950’s at Homer Nash Kimball.  Outside of my family, these people were the greatest influences in my life as a kid.  Growing up in Madison at that time was a pure joy and, after 35 years of teaching, I still believe Madison is a great place for kids.  Little did it ever cross my mind that I would someday be President of the Madison Local Board of Education.

The year 2010 has many items on its educational plate: deficit, facilities, and contracts to name a few.  Believe me, the deficit is real.  We as a Board will do our best with Dr. Goudy and Mr. Szabo to meet our state mandates of being fiscally balanced.  It will demand all staff and community members to step up to the plate. We must be strong in adversity and not weak with our cynicism.  We must not let our state government and federal economy make us petty and whiners.  Madison has always had a reputation of fighting back when the chips are down and we are backed into a corner.  Now is a time to be strong!  Now is a time to work together!

As Chairman of the Madison Facilities Committee for over a year, I can not tell you how important it is to take advantage of state monies.  Soon, with Board approval, you will be receiving the real picture of the facility issue, not what you have heard, remembered from the past or read in the newspaper.  I can only tell you when I explained the plan to my wife, she basically exclaimed “are you kidding me, this is a no-brainer!”  I hope I will be allowed to soon pass that information to you and begin a political action committee.  This committee may be looking at both the bond issue and the deficit.

When I first came on the Board, one of my goals was to seek new leadership.  I honestly can tell you we have a positive and experienced individual in Dr. Goudy who really loves Madison.  He has only been here barely a year; and, if you haven’t talked to him, I highly recommend it.  As a former teacher, I am telling you straight up that Dr. Goudy is someone you can trust.  He knows his stuff, he has many connections, and he is passionate in revealing to the state of Ohio one of its best kept secrets, the excellence of Madison schools.  That being said, I honestly believe with creative thinking and a positive attitude, negotiations will be smooth and professional.

I have to say, the most sacred element of education is the teacher that answers the bell every period, every day with every class of Madison’s most precious commodity, its students. And, this also goes for the hard-working support staff that answers the bell every day for the good of our kids and schools.  When you retire and live in the community it is a great feeling to be told how appreciated you were when you meet your former students who, in my case, range in age from the late forties to early twenties. Madison education is not only great in the classroom, but in its drama, its art, its music and its athletics. All extracurricular activities are an integral part of the fabric that makes up a Madison student.

The drive for excellence never stops to rest. I hope my words rekindle your fires. I hope you are ready to meet the challenges ahead no matter how great.  I am proud to be the President of the Madison Local Board of Education and look forward to the year 2010 with enthusiasm and anticipation.

Sincerely,

Rex