Politics is a horrible job and seems to attract or turn people into the worst version of themselves, not always true of course but a popular opinion.
I love the idea and what you are trying to accomplish, reward the efforts of an exemplary educator and involve/educate the community in the process. I guess my take on the community reaction is that people are going to hate anything that smells of preferential treatment or favoritism. While a weak argument, it seems public opinion feels your efforts met the criteria for criticism and that is certianly a low bar.
In regards to moving forward, maybe consider an x-prize for educators. Ask for application to solve a problem facing a business you support or a school district issue and allow students to consider/weigh the results in a blind submission and then pass out the prize money?
Travis, Keep on doing what you’re doing and donate the money. It is an honorable and trustworthy way to say thank you to the staff. You’re not ignoring or discounting others by doing so. It’s your choice and obviously your money.
Not that it matters, but it may be helpful to know how the teachers in the DeWitt schools are selected for the $1000 donated by Dr Grubaugh.
You’re not playing politics … others have made a political issue out of your Incredible generosity and service to your community.
Put it bluntly, haters gonna hate! Onward and upward
Thanks, Patricia! Your support means a lot. I really appreciate knowing about how DeWitt schools handle similar donations—it’s good to learn from others. It's tough when something meant to be positive turns into a controversy, but your encouragement helps me stay focused. You’re right—haters gonna hate! Thanks again for the boost.
I agree-not sure why people get into politics, but sometimes it’s needed to have some “logic and rationale” on a board or group.
Keep doing what you do, I think you should still give the funds in the way you initially set it up-it’s an awesome idea. I also think you should stay on the board to keep some “normalcy” for input and evaluation of school issues. You have a lot to offer. Other groups offer funds or grants to teachers for different reasons so I see nothing out of the ordinary with that. Community members, especially board members should be thrilled you want to support their staff in a financial way.
I admire your dedication to the greater Lansing community and the creative way you tried to recognize the school's staff. It's inspiring how you turned an idea from a run into action and even reached out to critics for their input.
I'm disheartened seeing your positive gestures like this met with negativity, but your efforts show a genuine commitment to making a difference. Politics seems to be tough, especially for those who seek to serve rather than control.
Hope you keep pushing forward. We are fortunate to have you.
Wanting to resign your position on the school board because a self-described “silly idea” didn’t get the likes you wanted is the more troubling idea.
Once again, you sincerely meant well. But people can be funny about money.
When an idea I have doesn’t come to fruition, I just call it one of a hundred ideas, or, in other words, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again or move onto another idea.
Politics is a horrible job and seems to attract or turn people into the worst version of themselves, not always true of course but a popular opinion.
I love the idea and what you are trying to accomplish, reward the efforts of an exemplary educator and involve/educate the community in the process. I guess my take on the community reaction is that people are going to hate anything that smells of preferential treatment or favoritism. While a weak argument, it seems public opinion feels your efforts met the criteria for criticism and that is certianly a low bar.
In regards to moving forward, maybe consider an x-prize for educators. Ask for application to solve a problem facing a business you support or a school district issue and allow students to consider/weigh the results in a blind submission and then pass out the prize money?
An X-Prize for educators is an AWESOME idea! I love this so much Chris! I am going to talk to the school district about it. Thank you!
Travis, Keep on doing what you’re doing and donate the money. It is an honorable and trustworthy way to say thank you to the staff. You’re not ignoring or discounting others by doing so. It’s your choice and obviously your money.
Not that it matters, but it may be helpful to know how the teachers in the DeWitt schools are selected for the $1000 donated by Dr Grubaugh.
You’re not playing politics … others have made a political issue out of your Incredible generosity and service to your community.
Put it bluntly, haters gonna hate! Onward and upward
Thanks, Patricia! Your support means a lot. I really appreciate knowing about how DeWitt schools handle similar donations—it’s good to learn from others. It's tough when something meant to be positive turns into a controversy, but your encouragement helps me stay focused. You’re right—haters gonna hate! Thanks again for the boost.
I agree-not sure why people get into politics, but sometimes it’s needed to have some “logic and rationale” on a board or group.
Keep doing what you do, I think you should still give the funds in the way you initially set it up-it’s an awesome idea. I also think you should stay on the board to keep some “normalcy” for input and evaluation of school issues. You have a lot to offer. Other groups offer funds or grants to teachers for different reasons so I see nothing out of the ordinary with that. Community members, especially board members should be thrilled you want to support their staff in a financial way.
Thanks Betsy. That means a lot and gives me some reassurance I'm not going nuts :)
You are not nuts-others may be. Your logic and sensibility are needed.
I admire your dedication to the greater Lansing community and the creative way you tried to recognize the school's staff. It's inspiring how you turned an idea from a run into action and even reached out to critics for their input.
I'm disheartened seeing your positive gestures like this met with negativity, but your efforts show a genuine commitment to making a difference. Politics seems to be tough, especially for those who seek to serve rather than control.
Hope you keep pushing forward. We are fortunate to have you.
Wanting to resign your position on the school board because a self-described “silly idea” didn’t get the likes you wanted is the more troubling idea.
Once again, you sincerely meant well. But people can be funny about money.
When an idea I have doesn’t come to fruition, I just call it one of a hundred ideas, or, in other words, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again or move onto another idea.