Dan Johnson’s Accusatory Apologia, With Cover Letter
Dan Johnson.
Update: This morning a hitherto unreleased cover letter for the statement written by Boardmember Dan Johnson was read by NHUHSD Board President Mike Pigg. It is appended immediately below, with Johnson’s official statement following. – Ed.
Cover letter to NHUHSD Board by Dan Johnson
Dear Dr. Hartley, Mr. Lonn, and fellow board members,
I want to apologize for the awkward position I have put you all in over the past few weeks and thank you for your understanding.
Attached is a statement I felt I should make to the community clarifying my actions with regard to my graduation comments. It is intended to be public and you may share with any interested parties. If requested I will also read it publicly at the next board meeting I am in attendance, which likely will not be until September.
I’m sorry it took me so long to address this. I was caught very much by surprise and have been dealing with some difficult family issues at the same time.
Thank you again for your understanding and I look forward to getting back to focusing on kids.
Dan Johnson
Public Statement by Dan Johnson
“I want to address an issue that has been made of my comments at the Arcata High graduation last month.
“As a sentimental dad who did not go to college myself, I just wanted to use my speaking opportunity to do something special for my daughter, who has graduated with a 4.04 GPA and is headed off to Santa Clara University.
“Like so many others, I was inspired by the 2012 Wellesley High School commencement speech of David McCollough Jr. [sic] It was a blunt, but ultimately inspiring, message to the graduates. My speech prep skills are lacking, and when I had heard the speech on the radio and liked the message, it gave me ideas for the speech I delivered at graduation.
“What I prepared to deliver at the graduation ceremony was a personalized version of McCollough’s [sic] message directed to my daughter. I thought all in attendance might appreciate it.
“My mistake, as community members, HSU professors and Arcata High faculty, much smarter than I, have informed me, was not simply crediting McCollough [sic] for his words and I’m sorry for that. I appreciate the constructive criticism and education I’ve received.
“I’m not an educator, journalist or author. I’m a just local businessman. I enjoy giving back to my community through Rotary, Casa, HSU athletics, non-profit board involvement, youth activities and service on this board, etc…
“The message I wanted to deliver is that I am proud of my daughter and want her to remember as McCullough spoke, ‘You’re not special, because EVERYONE is.’ And in my words, that ‘achievement is based on results, and results are what is most valued.’
“I understand that for some in our community – the self-appointed referees of good and evil – no explanation or apology I can offer is good enough. But I’m comfortable in the knowledge that their intolerance, so readily on display, is a far more profound flaw than mine.”
