With the teacher strike behind us, let me express my respect and appreciation to you - the Oregon Trail School Board -- on behalf of OSBA, for service to your school district.

School employee strikes are never pleasant. Parents and students are frustrated, the community is stressed, relationships are strained, and the news media doesn't always explain the whole story. On top of that, outside politicians "weigh in" with any number of solutions.

However, it is the local board that must ultimately decide the best long-term solutions for students and taxpayers. It is the local board that truly understands these financial and human dynamics. It is the local board that demonstrates the courage to do what's best for its own children. It is the local board that will be mending relationships for months to come.

And for that, I salute you.

When I took office as OSBA's president this past weekend, I emphasized the need for boards to work for "the greater good," which includes persevering -- despite huge demands we all face. I am here to personally recognize the Oregon Trail board for rising to meet that challenge.

You'll notice I copied this e-mail to all Oregon school board members. Folks, we are in this together. Hundreds of you throughout the state deserve recognition for your struggle to preserve local governance of our public schools.

In the spirit of supporting the Oregon Trail School District, I urge other board members to contact one or more of the board members listed below to voice your support by dropping them a note. Or send an e-mail -- but in the interest of not overloading private e-mail systems, please direct messages to the Oregon Trail's public relations office at MonteitJ@ortrail.k12.or.us. 

Oregon Trail School District
PO Box 547 Sandy 97055-0547

• Wayne Kuechler (vice chair, bargaining spokesman)
  41535 SE Allgeier Rd, Sandy 97055
• Terry Lenchitsky (chair)
  34231 SE Bluff Rd, Boring 97009
• Jim Duff (bargaining team)
  17845 Bluff Rd, Sandy 97055
• Michael Forzley 
  18000 SW Twilight Ln, Sandy 97055
• Dan Thompson
  64720 E Riverside Dr, Brightwood 97011
• Dave Isbell (bargaining team)
  44920 SE Pagh Rd, Sandy 97055