Thank You - From the Bottom of My Heart

By William Chatfield, CFD, MSBO Board President, Director of Operations, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

It wasn’t quite the presidency I imagined it would be, presiding during a year when I didn’t get to see any of my friends and colleagues at various MSBO events, but it was still a remarkable year. I will always be grateful for the support and encouragement that so many offered and the journey that has been serving on the MSBO Board. As I prepare my final president’s message, I wish to extend a deserved thank you to many.

First, I wish to thank my fellow Board members, who dedicate untold hours and days admirably setting direction for the organization and making difficult but thoughtful decisions when necessary. MSBO is a first-class organization and the purposeful manner in which the Board of Directors operates is a big reason why.

The MSBO staff is equally purposeful and professional and deserves tremendous credit and recognition for offering its members tremendous value. Everyone on staff wears multiple hats and does everything possible to ensure the membership experience is of value for every one of us. The preparation and research conducted by staff on so many issues make the Board’s work productive and effective.

Many colleagues and counterparts in districts across the state supported my election efforts on four separate occasions (one loss, a one year term, and 2 three year terms) allowing me to speak at committee meetings or just handing out campaign flyers. I am indebted and grateful for your support.

Without the support and willingness of those in my district, embarking on a nine-year venture such as this would not be possible. Thank you to my superintendent, Board of Education, assistant Suzanne, and co-workers who supported me in this endeavor, and in many cases handled additional duties in my absences tending to MSBO responsibilities, particularly during this past year as we all juggled pandemic responses and, in Walled Lake, as we started a $316 million bond program. What could possibly go wrong?

Thanks to my wife Nancy and my family for their support over these years. The many meetings, phone calls, travel, and nights away from home were made much less worrisome knowing my family had my back. When possible, they joined me at summer retreats and some receptions, and the opportunity to get to know the families of my fellow Board members and staff only enhanced the camaraderie and created an extended family.

Finally, I need to thank my Dad. A retired police officer, who got a job as a security guard at VG’s, was so excited in 2012 when he found out I was “running for office” that he made copies of my flyer and handed them out to shoppers at the store asking them to vote for me. Even after I explained it didn’t work that way, he insisted somebody who could vote for me would get the information. I lost the election that year and he passed away a few months later. I got elected the next year and even though he never got to see me “take office,” I know he was watching with pride.

Like so many things in life, taking chances in pursuit of your goals or dreams requires the support, encouragement, and even silly marketing efforts of those around you. I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated my MSBO journey. For everybody that helped and was a part of it, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank You – From the Bottom of My Heart

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