Shutdowns, Stewardship, and Why Local Leadership Matters.

The federal government officially entered a shutdown on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution to fund operations. A “clean CR”—something both parties have supported many times in recent years—shouldn’t be this complicated or controversial. Yet the breakdown in Washington isn’t only about budgets; it’s about power and pride.

One side digs in because they see no other leverage...and truly, they hold no cards. The other remains committed, determined to keep promises to curb waste, fraud, and overspending. And the people left paying the price? Ordinary Americans.

It reminds me of parenting moments at home, when one of my kids realizes it’s my way or the highway and slams a door to feel powerful on the way to obeying This situation may resolve similarly. Pride and posturing may feel strong in the moment, but they paralyze progress.

The most powerful step any leader can take—in any situation—is humility: to stop holding people hostage to messaging battles and start doing what’s right for those they represent.

At the national level, this stalemate shows what happens when process replaces purpose and political theater replaces responsibility. And, regardless of whether I'm personally right in my assessment of who may be truly responsible for this shutdown, leadership lessons don't stop at the federal level. They start at home.

After all, the shutdown might feel far away, but it carries an important local lesson: when governance fails at the highest levels, our communities still need reliable leadership for everyday decisions.

1. The Funding Breakdown → Local Impact

When Congress can’t agree, the result is less about ideology and more about discipline in governance. Agencies furlough staff, programs pause, and decision-making suffers.

At the school district level, we’re obviously not funded by Congress...but we are funded by public trust, taxpayer dollars, and community expectations. When the national government can’t keep its "stuff" in order, how much more important is it that our school board keeps ours in order?

2. Governance Doesn’t Wait for Perfection

Shutdowns reveal how damaging inaction can be. Waiting for the “perfect” policy or reaching a consensus often means nothing gets done.

Locally, that means our board has to show up, handle the hard issues, and keep the system running—funding, curriculum, safety, and transparency—even when debates get loud. That’s stewardship, not politics (stewardship is a common theme I tend to bring up).

3. A Platform of Clarity, Compassion & Common Sense

My campaign rests on three C’s:

• Clarity – Knowing our goals: student success, fiscal integrity, and safe, supportive schools. And also, the type of thinking needed to navigate complex, Board-related decisions.

• Compassion – Understanding that every child, family, and teacher deserves respect and support, and a seat at the table of civil discourse.

• Common Sense – Recognizing we can’t fix everything overnight, but we can make better decisions today. Decisions that reflect good governance and follow proven approaches.

If the shutdown shows one thing, it’s that bigger isn’t always better. What matters is the ability to manage, direct, decide, and deliver. And sometimes, it means knowing when to delegate. That’s what good school boards do: ensure classrooms run, teachers are supported, budgets are balanced, and students are seen.

4. Why the Board Doesn’t Get a Shutdown

In Washington, dysfunction can halt everything. In Johnston, we don’t get that luxury.

When the board acts—on books, budgets, or buildings—it affects students today, not next year.

That’s why strong leadership means:

• Budget transparency and accountability

• Age-appropriate curriculum and resources

• Respect for all families and students

• A commitment to outcomes, not optics

While school boards can’t “shut down” like Congress, their decisions can be challenged through the proper appeal process...and in some cases, that accountability is healthy.

However, when that process is misused for partisan or ideological purposes, it becomes a distraction and a drain on district resources. That’s exactly what happened when one current candidate for school board, along with a small group of residents, appealed a previously approved student club. The appeal cost the district roughly $14,000 in legal fees and was rejected multiple times in court.

Beyond the financial impact, the attempt targeted a club that symbolized free speech and student expression. That episode revealed a troubling pattern: activism disguised as advocacy, and partisanship replacing stewardship.

Every candidate deserves their voice in civic discourse. But serving on the board is about representing all families, not advancing a faction’s agenda. Johnston needs leaders who protect free expression, respect fiscal responsibility, and focus on education, not ideology.

5. The Ask

On November 4, when you vote for school board, ask yourself: Do the candidates show up when it matters? Can they navigate complexity? Will they manage responsibly? Will they show care, concern, and compassion for EVERY VOICE...including those on the other side of the political aisle?

Let’s choose leadership that’s active, accountable, and local. Leadership that gives space for every voice. For the students of Johnston...and for every family who trusts our district to deliver.

— Patrick GreenCandidate | Johnston School Board