EDITOR:
Reflecting upon the election results from the April 6 municipal election, I am overcome with a mixture of emotions; sadness, happiness, pride, hope, but I am primarily thankful for the opportunity to have served the Platte County R-3 School District for the last 3 years. My decision to throw my hat into the election of 2018 followed several months of consideration of the need and the possibility of filing for candidacy. It didn’t actually happen however, until the very last day of filing. I called the district that morning. No one had yet filed, so I left my workplace in Independence and rushed to the District Education Center over my lunch break and signed myself up, truly not knowing what I was doing, only that I felt the need for change and the obligation to my community.
Things move fast after the election and before you know it you are raising your hand and being sworn in as a member of the school board. I am not a politician, nor an educator. I came to the school board as a concerned parent, pediatric health care provider, and an advocate for all students, teachers and staff of the district, and community members. An effective school board plays an important watchdog role in keeping local schools on track. The school board helps set the vision and goals for the district, holds the district accountable for results, and has the obligation to govern the school district responsibly.
The past three years have been monumental years for Platte County R-3. We were faced with a continual stream of events, tasks, changes of administration and programming, many of which garnered media attention. Oh yes, there was also the pandemic. There are factions of our community that I feel see the school board in the wrong light. As a member who worked with the current board for three years, I can unequivocally say that we have a school board comprised of seven members who have the correct focus and are continually working for change where it is needed, when it is needed.
Improvement is continual and change is a process. Change can be hard and often occurs in small steps, but as long as we are moving in the right direction, we can remain hopeful. Serving on the school board for me, was just that, an act of service. There is no monetary compensation, but the reward of improving the community in which we live is immeasurable. We have an amazing community and school district. My goal was always to make it even better!
I encourage the community to stay engaged with the schools and school board members. If you have a desire to serve, see an area that needs change or improvement, go ahead and throw your hat in the race. Be the change. I wish the school board much continued success. Pirate Pride!! And for my Army friends, Hooah!
–Amy MacCuish
PCR3 School Board
Member 2018-2021