John Strand: Where Credit Is Due

To the Editor:

The Forum reported Wednesday on its front page that the Fargo School Board had approved 7-1 a policy requiring new construction projects—specifically those utilizing the Building Authority and the school district’s general fund—be approved by more than 50 percent of voters in an election.

“The vote was a victory for board member John Strand, who has pushed for more public input on school construction,” The Forum article stated.

While I certainly appreciate the compliment, it behooves me to place credit where credit is due.
The vote was instead a victory for the people.

When I ran for public office, I pledged to give stronger voice to the citizens on the use of building authorities for new construction. That the majority of my colleagues on the Fargo Board of Education adopted this directional change and embedded it into policy was just one step in a long journey, albeit a very important one.

I hereby offer up prairie roses to those other school board members for their thoughtful and pragmatic willingness to make a sincere effort to give voice to the people over use of general fund monies for bricks and mortar, if ever that need arises again.

The District has an existing building levy established by state law for needed construction projects. This new policy implemented Tuesday still allows the district to utilize the Building Authority and the general fund, as well, but only when approved by a vote of the people first.
We are blessed to have such a quality educational delivery system in Fargo. It, however, depends on the contributions and sacrifices of countless people.

From my perspective, it’s an honor to serve the public and occasionally be a bridge between the people and the decision-making body directing k-12 education at the policy level.
Yes, I’m pleased, but humbly admit it was not my victory at all.

-John Strand
Fargo

The writer is a member of the Fargo Board of Education, and joint proprietor and advertising director of the High Plains Reader.

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