Letter to the Editor: Andrea Schweda Grateful for Her Time on District 308 Board

The other day, a friend asked me what I was going to miss the most not being on the School Board.

I’m still trying to figure out an answer. The last four years have been an incredible experience for me.

I’ve had an opportunity to work with some really fantastic people. Whether on the Curriculum Committee, Diversity Council, Social Emotional Learning Committee, Character Counts! Committee, or Boundary Committee. I have also met wonderful parents, kids and staff at the many Bingo Nights, Talent Shows, Science Fairs, Football games, Tennis matches and Math and Reading Nights.

I’ve met community members while sitting at Village Hall meetings for the different municipalities that make up 308,or having lunch with different ladies groups.

I have also had the opportunity to grow and learn from talking with fellow board members (both past and present) here in 308 and across Illinois at the annual conference.

There have been stressful nights worrying about the possible outcomes from a decision I needed to make, countless hours researching all sides of an issue, and frustrating discussions with fellow board members and community members.

There have also been many, many nights missing the Bedtime Tuck- In Routine at home, endless phone calls to my siblings who are educators for clarification…. and I’ll admit it, lots of looking words up on Dictionary.com. All because I believe I owed it to those who put their trust in me.

With all that said, I’m proud of my tenure on the board, and feel thankful to have had an opportunity to learn so much about myself, and others. I sleep well knowing that every decision I made was done after much consideration and always with the children in mind. I’m thankful also for the many, many supporters I’ve had throughout the years. Your faith in me kept me going through the most difficult of times.

I hope the new board members take their new responsibilities as seriously as I did. Afterall they have the fate of our children’s educations in their hands.

Andrea Schweda, Oswego