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I was talking to a friend this morning who reminded me that politics can be nasty. Just like driving in bad weather, you deal with the road conditions as best you can and try to stay focused on your destination. My destination regarding our schools has always been about doing what’s needed to improve the quality of education our children receive. Sometimes, in pursuit of that goal, I have spoken out on issues that have been unpopular, upsetting, or uncomfortable for some people. For that, I am truly sorry because I do not enjoy it when people are upset with me. But in terms of my attempts to present the facts and continue to move the district forward, I make no apologies. My agenda is not about whose friends don’t get promoted or don’t get jobs. It is also not about geography or personality. It is simply about doing the best we can to provide an excellent education for our children. Because I have seen substantive, continued progress in this area, my focus is to stay the course and continue to work at doing better. There are some who would like to frame this election campaign around insider-outsider issues and personalities, ignoring the signs of progress and the many indicators of success at all levels of the district. There is still much work to be done, and this storm of negativity should not be allowed to distract us from our destination. In the end, the really important issues are about what’s best for our children and how do we continue to move our school system forward. It is only by keeping our focus on excellent schools as our common goal that we may actually get there.