By Mary Beth Rogers, ED.S, CFO, MSBO Board Member, Executive Director of Business Services, Clarkston Community Schools
As I reflect on how our lives have been uprooted over the last few years and especially the past few weeks after learning about Craig Kahler’s COVID battle – it has put life and the pandemic in perspective. After hearing of Craig’s battle, I realized how fortunate I have been the past two years. Yes, I have been inconvenienced, struggled at work and had to change plans and missed seeing friends, colleagues and attending events such as MSBO’s Annual Conference. However, I have been healthy and my family and loved ones have been healthy through all of this.
Craig is the closest friend I know that has been negatively affected by COVID. I call Craig a vendor friend, but he is so much more than that to me. I have known Craig for over 20 years and have shared goals, thoughts and fellowship with him. He has always been there to support me. I am sure several of you have the same experiences with Craig. Craig was a colleague and friend to us all.
If you haven’t heard, Craig was diagnosed with COVID in December and entered the hospital. At the end of December, he went into ICU, on a ventilator and put into a sedated coma. Craig and his family’s faith and love has been inspirational to me. Craig’s fight and battle ended in January. He will dearly be missed.
I am dedicating my article to Craig Kahler and others, who lost the fight, and who are fighting this disease and those who have lost loved ones. Our school finance community lost a great friend to COVID. Craig, as many will say, is one of the good ones. Education needs people like Craig. His passion for our field is shown in all of the decisions and assistance he provided to all of us. Craig started his career as a Business Official and approximately 20 years ago he had my position in Clarkston Community Schools. Several people in Clarkston still remember him fondly. He transferred into the private sector as a vendor for schools and has supported so many of us personally and professionally. He also served as Board President for DeWitt Public Schools. I spoke with their previous Superintendent and he said, “he has always supported me.”
Support is what we all need, whether a little, or a lot. We need it and we cannot do this alone. Craig’s wife, Linda posted, “I’m confident that you all know how challenging life can be at such a difficult time. We could not journey this trail alone and we’re so thankful that we don’t have to.”
As I reflect on Craig and the life he led, I want to be a better person, live a better life and be a more supportive person whether it is in my personal or professional life. Part of how I can support others is through my involvement in MSBO and my role as Board Member. Do not hesitate to reach out to me and I will do my best to support all of you. These are tough times. All of us are affected by COVID and can feel isolated, let’s all try to go the extra mile or give the extra support and be one of the goods ones.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
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- Are You an Emerging Leader?
- Don’t Miss Out on These Professional Development Opportunities
- Dynamic Budget – Forecasting at Your Fingertips
- Get to Know Your 2022 MSBO Board of Directors Candidates
- Governance and MSBO – Dena Mayer
- MISEC/Brite Solar Opportunity for all Michigan Schools
- MSBO Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Proposes Amending Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation
- MSBO Update – David Martell
- Welcome New Members