Meet the New Board Member (And join her in some over analyzing . . . )

 

Yes, as of Tuesday night I am officially a member of the Board of Directors for Benjamin's preschool. I was voted in (without opposition) at the annual general meeting and now enjoy all the perks and benefits you might expect membership on a preschool board of directors would bring (i.e., none). But the question that has been on my mind--and keeping me up at night--is HOW did I arrive at this position of power and prestige? Yes, the school's director specifically asked me to join, but why? Why me? Out of over a hundred parents who pass through the school, why was I selected? I thought I'd dedicate this post to getting to the bottom of this mystery. As usual, I do have a few theories. . . .

Theory #1: Have I Mentioned My Master's Degree?

This may be a well-kept secret (despite what Jason would say), but I do have a master's in English and a background in education. And really, how different are a preschool and a college?

Theory #2: Kid Magnet/Threat to the Preschool's Future

It is no secret that I love being around chidren. I have the social skills of approximately a two year old (minus the biting, smacking, screaming, and snatching of toys--so I guess that might bring me up to a three-year-old), and consequently I am often surrounded by a group of young children. Whether I am at the park, store, swimming pool, or just playing outside at our complex, children come up and talk to me as though I was one of them.

Ben's preschool is no exception. Before and after class, I sit on the floor and play with the younger siblings of Benjamin's classmates. It is to the point where at least four children look for me as soon as they arrive, smile their big toddler smiles, make their way over to me, and spend the next 10+ minutes giving me toys, having me read them books, telling me about their days, etc. It is as though I am running my own pre-preschool. Last week I overheard one of the moms comment to another, "Look at the way they all flock to her!" I, of course, kept my head down and continued playing.

Anyway, the thought occurred to me that--being this strong of a kid-magnet--I might be perceived as a threat to the school's future. After all, I could lead these potential students away, forming a splinter group of the preschool. Enrollment would dwindle, along with enrollment fees. But put me on the board, and I might have the school's best interest in mind. Very crafty.

 

Theory #3: Maintain the Status Quo of the Board by Adding Another Lisa

Once I arrived at Tuesday's board meeting (just prior to the general meeting), I realized that I was the fourth person named Lisa to be added to this exclusive group. The school's board of directors is made up of only NINE individuals, and FOUR of them (including me) are named Lisa! The other three Lisas are returning board members. So the school's director, believing that women named Lisa tend to make excellent board members, might have selected me simply because of my first name.

 

Theory #4: Everyone Else She Asked Said No

I have to admit it is possible that I was not the first or only parent to be invited to join the board this year. It could be that I was the director's last resort, and the only one who would actually be willing to attend the meetings. After all, I had the annual general meeting marked on my calendar, and I was planning to attend--but nobody else (except the eight other board members) showed up. In other words, if I hadn't been on the board, I would have been the only non-board member there!

 

So, in conclusion, I suppose I was destined to become a board member at Ben's preschool. I possess not only the love of meetings, but also the correct name, the outlook of a preschooler, and the educational credentials necessary for success in such an appointment. I know what you're probably thinking, though--"I hope they don't ask her to write any memos. . . "