Extra Post Day #48,,,,A more serious note, paying respect to a colleague and thinking about leadership

Shocking news made its way through social media on Monday to me in Texas. People were curious if I knew the victim because we both had the same job, public school Superintendent, and because it happened in Western NY. Because my tenure as Superintendent was in Central New York, I did not know Keith, but many of my colleagues did.

Rest in peace, Keith Reed

Clymer Superintendent Found Murdered

The link below will show you where Clymer, NY, is located in the far southwest corner of NY. I now live in Portville, near Olean as seen on the map. I recently moved from Auburn, also shown in the map view.

Clymer, NY

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Map

While it is too early to know for sure, when I learned of this tragedy I reminded myself that it is possible, even likely, that this was domestic violence or a robbery gone bad, and not an attack against a person in authority. I pray that it was not that as it is too close to home.

I knew when I accepted the job of Superintendent I was stepping into a a high profile job, one that came with the expectation to be available 24/7. Very quickly I learned, first hand, that my life had changed drastically. I welcomed the challenges and worked to stave off the realities of the adage, "It's lonely at the top." At times, I was broken and sought out family and friends. I sought out my drug of choice, too. FOOD. I payed dearly in the nearly six years until I retired.

The local press covered our Board meetings very regularly in the early years, hoping that the behaviors and circus-like antics of prior years would continue. They did not. I would not allow it. During one budget season I made the political cartoons. During a tough budget season in 2011 the Board asked for security to be present at every meeting. Tempers and angst were prevalent. Some community members attacked me personally. (When this happened I had a Board president that stopped it and insisted I receive an apology.)

In my time at the helm I had anonymous hate mail delivered to school, often accompanied with job listings for other superintendent openings around the state. One inappropriate letter made its way to my mailbox at the lake where I lived. Cowards hiding behind print and anonymity, attacking a public authority figure.

Students took the cruel bent, attacking my weight. I came to school one day after the senior prank night to find "Ms. WORTHLESS" and "FAT" painted in my parking spot. As recently as June of this year I was recognized on the streets in Auburn and greeted with, "F... you, Ms. Worth, F... you!" 

 

And so I have some pretty strong feelings about how people express their discontent and disagreements with leadership. I am ANGRY that the media feeds and fuels inappropriate response. I, however, will not lower myself and stay true to my values and beliefs, trying to live as Jesus lived. "Love your enemies." "Turn your cheek 70 time 7." I choose, too, not to live in fear, resting in the promise of eternal life, free from pain and sadness.

 

I grieve now for Keith Reed.  I grieve for his family, friends, school, and colleagues. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.