Thankful for peace in our schools

Spectrum/Anne Kilkenny

As we enter into the holiday season, the season of thanksgiving, of sharing and of rededication to peace, I would like to acknowledge the people in our community who live these values every day: the people who work in our public schools.

Something really remarkable and wonderful happened this fall that I think deserves more attention than it got: negotiators and members of all four employee groups of the school district and school district administrators brought us labor peace.

When I first heard of the tentative settlements I was hesitant to mention them to anyone. It was so incredible, so unprecedented in recent years, that I was afraid to believe it could be happening; it seemed too good to be true.

But it was true. Our schools will have labor peace for the next three years! Imagine that! No more threats of strikes darkening the beginning of the school year. No more "work-to-rule" restrictions stifling extracurricular activities, concerts, open houses and other events. No more ugly stories in the newspaper detailing the latest round of dastardly deeds and "he said/she said" finger-pointing.

PEACE!

Of course, peace, like freedom, isn't free. Peace has a price.

There's a saying that the way you know you've reached a good compromise is when all parties to the agreement leave with unfulfilled hopes after having made substantial sacrifices.

Maybe the reason we haven't heard more rejoicing over the contract settlements is because all parties to them had to make such huge sacrifices.

The sacrifices start with people having to put aside their egos -- their need to "win," to be right and to have the last word. It is hard to accept less than a "victory." Add to that the need to accept that the past can never be "fixed" and that past hurts, animosities and grievances must be let go of.

Agreeing not to seek revenge is difficult! Then everyone must accept they aren't going to get all they want, or even what they think they need. Giving up hope isn't easy! Finally, achieving compromise requires trusting your bargaining opposite, and when there has been a history of bitter, personal attacks this requires a huge leap of faith.

As silent partners in the negotiations, we, the public, have to accept that we get what we pay for. If we want our children to be well-educated and garner the tools to maximize their potential, if we want nice school facilities, excellent and inspired teachers, dedicated, hardworking staff and top-notch administrators, we have to accept that this will come with a price tag.

So, I am thankful.

Thankful for our teachers, for what they do every day for our children. If you've ever taught a Sunday School class, led a Boy or Girl Scout troop or coached a youth sport you know how demanding working with young people is. Imagine doing it five days a week, 180 days a year and having 20-35 children at a time! Every day teachers give our children more than money could ever compensate them for.

Thankful for the hardworking people who staff our schools and keep them safe, clean and running smoothly and efficiently. They create the environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. They are often overlooked and unappreciated.

Thankful for the principals, the people who sit behind the desk where the buck stops. From years on PTA boards I've come to realize that no matter how great the idea and how perfect the event, there is always going to be somebody who doesn't like it, and that "somebody " always ends up chewing on the principal! There isn't money enough to pay them for the stress they have to live with.

Thankful for Bob Doyle, the school district's "point man." His day never ends. He is a lightning rod for criticism. How can you pay someone enough to compensate for that?

Thankful for all the people who work in the school district administration -- some rather anonymously, some not -- to keep the whole system running: the unsung heroes of the school district.

Thankful for our excellent school board members who give so generously of their time, and the borough Assembly members who have the terrible job of setting the mill rate.

Thankful for all the people directly involved in the negotiations. They took huge personal risks and proved themselves to be peacemakers of the highest caliber.

Thankful for all the people who got not one plug nickel out of the deal: the members of the all-volunteer army of parents and community members who, in spite of busy lives, invade our schools every day and do whatever they can to help. Our public schools would be crippled without them.

And, finally, I am thankful for this community that is willing to sacrifice so our children can have the best and we can move forward in peace.

Anne Kilkenny is a Wasilla resident.