There is a lot of noise out there for us to navigate in the social media world…and it is getting increasingly more difficult to discern what is fact and what is opinion. Let’s begin with definitions:

Fact: a thing that is known or proved to be true.

Oxford

Opinion: a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

Oxford

I propose we wade through the facts before we deal with the emotions related to opinions formed by the facts. The Board reports deal with facts. Facts presented in such a way to inform/sway/lead the Trustees to make a decision (see the opinions I put in this statement?). Sometimes what is important is what is NOT stated. Sometimes what is missing is also part of the message.

It is my opinion that the Trustees who are responsible for these decisions may not always work beyond ‘the facts presented’ and it is important to expand the scope of information to include additional, perhaps even equally relevant facts to make sure they are fully informed.

“Do Your Homework” does not just apply to our students – it also applies to us. Learn the process (the process is defined), learn the facts (read the documents, and more!), reach your own opinions (do not be lead).