Mike Mignone’s Vision of Unity

 

Hot on the heels of his vindication from the contentious tenure charges leveled against him by the Belleville Board of Education, BEA President Mike Mignone approached the podium at Monday night’s meeting to a loud chorus of cheers and applause from the audience.

Rather than gloat or make any mention of the recent arbitration decision in his favor, Mignone proceeded to speak of unity, and fostering a shared vision for a truly collaborative effort to improve education in the troubled school district.

Click here to watch Mignone deliver his speech to the Board. A transcript of the speech is included below.

 

 
Transcript of Speech

 

I am the proud President of the Belleville Education Association, and a committed member of the Belleville United Coalition.

Good Evening.

I am here today to speak on behalf of the teachers and concerned citizens of this community.

I accepted this position 1 year ago because I have a vision.  A vision that’s centered on a Quality Education for all Belleville students… one that involves the consolidated work and effort of an entire community.

Picture this: an education system where parents, teachers, administrators, board members and superintendent collaborate in harmony for the purpose of affording students the best possible education.

Imagine classrooms that support our teacher’s professional needs and at the same time assist our students in developing their skills.

  • Ample supplies
  • Updated technology
  • Textbooks for all students
  • A functioning library in every building…
  • Heck, maybe even sufficient parking for our teachers. (Ok maybe the last is just a dream)

 

I was born in a neighboring town on a street that bears this town’s name.  So it’s no surprise, I ran with and competed against Belleville kids.

Back in the mid 80’s Belleville had a strong football team… where Bloomfield’s team was…. Let’s just say not so good.  In fact we won 1 game in my 3 year career.

I remember vividly: the long bus rides home from a demoralizing defeat, sitting in the rear of the bus – analyzing and scrutinizing my play.  I would replay the game over an over in my head and think about what I could have done to help my Team win the game.

As I was distracted by the loud, obnoxious, horseplay emanating from the front of the bus, IT HIT ME, my teammates did not share the same goals.

It then occurred to me that we would always fall short of victory because we were not a team.

  • A great team functions as 1 unit
  • A great team has 1 common vision
  • A great team has great leadership and great management
  • A great team consists of teammates who work together and support each other.

 

This vision I have for a Quality Education has always been shared among the teachers and residents of this town.  But it takes an entire team effort to accomplish this goal.

A TEAM THAT CONSISTS OF YOU, OF US AND OF THEM

It takes a GREAT community to make a change… with the assumption it acts collaboratively, responsibly, selflessly and with a common vision.

 

WE CAN BE THAT COMMUNITY!!!

 

For this upcoming year the teachers and concerned citizens of Belleville propose some short-term goals to assist our long-term goal of a Quality Education for Belleville Students.

  • Put and abrupt end to intimidation in the workplace!!! — There is no room on this team for hotshots, superstars and selfish players.
  • Be transparent in everything you do.

– The quarterback must be able to trust his offensive line and they must be on the same page.

  • Involve the stakeholders of this town in ALL decisions that affect their children and their students.

– An effective coach reviews the game plan with his team prior to the game and asks for input from his key players.

  • Learn from your past mistakes or you will fall victim to repetition

– Successful teams break down and study game film so they can improve their play.

 

Great teams do great things.  So I encourage all of sitting up on that stage to:

  • Join our team
  • Adopt our goals
  • Share our visions.

 

It’s time for a Better Belleville.

 

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO DROP THE BALL!

 

Thank You.

 

– Mike Mignone

 

 

 

 

About Griff 321 Articles
Lee "Griff" Dorry - Founder, watchdog, and public advocate. ♫ They've got strings, but you can see, there are no strings on me. ♫

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