To pay attention, that is our endless and proper work.

– Mary Oliver

I have served on several school boards, beginning when my daughter was in the first grade. She’s now 42, her youngest is in the first grade and, oddly, this is the first time I’ve written a candidacy profile. I find myself with little to draw upon, facing a situation where I must focus on myself. I prefer to focus on others – learn from them; work with them toward building . . . something.

What I do know is governance is a messy business. You will never make everyone happy. If you are luc...