By Melody Bolduc
Duval County School Board Member, District 7
When I think about what makes me thankful to call this community home, I think about the people who show up.
I think about the teacher who notices that a child is struggling and takes the time to find out why. I think about the parent who volunteers between work shifts, the neighbor who mentors a student and the church congregation that quietly provides food, clothing or school supplies. Their contributions may never make a headline, but they make a difference.
After 26 years in education, I am especially grateful for our teachers. We ask so much of them, and their jobs continue to become more demanding. Yet every day, they welcome children with different needs, abilities and circumstances and help them take their next steps forward.
Recently, I had the opportunity to welcome our school-level Teachers of the Year and celebrate these remarkable educators. Each honoree represents a school community filled with people who work hard for children. They deserve our appreciation, and that appreciation should be reflected in how we support them throughout the year.
I am also thankful for the families who entrust us with their children and remain involved in their education. As a mother and teacher, I know how deeply personal that trust is. Behind every student is someone who hopes that child will be safe, understood, challenged and prepared for the future.
Here in Mandarin, we have neighbors, businesses, civic organizations and faith communities that are willing to help make those hopes possible. Whether they are reading with a child, supporting the arts, coaching a team or meeting a practical need, they give our schools something invaluable: a community that cares.
There is also progress to celebrate. We recently broke ground on improvements at Loretto Elementary, supported by the voter-approved half-penny sales tax for school facilities. I am thankful for the community’s investment in our schools and excited about what these improvements will mean for Loretto’s students, families and staff.
This school year has also brought challenges, including air-conditioning problems that have made some classrooms uncomfortable. I am grateful for the patience of our students, teachers and families, and for the maintenance teams and school staff working to bring relief. Comfortable classrooms matter, and addressing these problems must remain a priority. After this start to the school year, I suspect many of us are feeling especially thankful for the prospect of cooler weather!
Serving on the school board has also deepened my gratitude for the people who speak up. They ask questions, share concerns and offer ideas because they care about our schools and our neighborhoods. We may not always agree, but listening carefully is part of serving well.
This November, I hope we will turn our gratitude into something tangible. Consider sending a teacher a thoughtful note. Thank a school employee whose work often goes unnoticed. Volunteer your time, or ask a nearby school what is needed.
My personal mission is to “unearth the treasure in every one.” I am thankful for the many people in our community who help children discover their gifts and give them opportunities to use those gifts.
Thank you for making Mandarin a place where so many people are willing to show up for one another. It is an honor to call this community home and to serve you.
Please join Councilman Michael Boylan and me for a community meeting on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at Mandarin Oaks Elementary School. I’ll share an update on the state of our district and our Mandarin schools, and we’ll welcome your questions, concerns and ideas. Boylan will listen for opportunities for the city and school district to work together on solutions.
I welcome your questions, ideas and concerns. Email me at bolducm@duvalschools.org or call me at 904-927-1699.
