Jennifer Stoddard is a parent in the Liverpool school district.

Dear Liverpool Community,

My family attended last evening’s school board meeting. I left the meeting around 9:30pm as our daughters (age 12 and 16)needed to prepare for school on Tuesday. I was shocked and deeply saddened when my husband (who remained at the meeting) sent a text message to tell me that Patricia Mouton had collapsed at the meeting. We have since learned that Mrs. Mouton passed away of an apparent heart attack. I hope the following observations will bring some comfort at this most difficult time.

I did not know Mrs. Mouton personally, but have witnessed her in action as Board President on several occasions. Last evening, she was very firm in her delivery that just one hour would be allotted for public comments, and each individual would be allowed three minutes to speak. As you may know, the auditorium was full of Liverpool High School students who came out in support of Greg Avellino, Executive Principal. There had to be some level of anxiety that the board experienced as they sat on stage and looked out at a virtual sea of faces. There were many emotionally charged issues at hand, and one could only anticipate what may occur as the auditorium filled for the evening’s meeting.

When Pat opened the meeting up for public comments, she first called up three Liverpool High School students who were designated to speak on behalf of the large group. These students were respectful, polite and well spoken. They acted more appropriately than many of the adults who were to follow throughout the evening. Pat, the entire board, and audience listened with interest to what the first speaker had to say. He spoke about the student body’s collective appreciation of Greg Avellino and all he has done for our district. We were all moved by his speech, and impressed that students would come out in droves in support of their executive principal. Pat, determined to keep control of the proceedings politely, but firmly, banged her gavel at the three minute mark. One sensed that she hated to cut this well-spoken young man off mid-sentence, but rules are rules.

The second speaker was also very organized and shared valuable student insights with all in attendance. Then, I noticed something during the third speaker’s speech: Pat’s face. There was a slight smile, and a warmth that washed over her face as the third speaker hurried through his written statements. It was so familiar to me and you likely would have recognized it too. Most of us, at some point through our education, have witnessed a similar expression. It was the look of a teacher who was won over by a moment and an expression of pride, an expression of warmth – recognition of accomplishment. In a word, hope.

Following the completion of the statements made by these students, there was a long round of applause, and approving nods and smiles from many in the room.

Mrs. Mouton was a lifelong educator. She dedicated her entire life to the betterment of others. She remained involved in education and its importance right up until her last breath. Last night, there she was in the trenches during one of the most difficult economic times faced in generations, presiding over one of the most difficult Board meetings in our district in recent times. To use a phrase, she died with her boots on. Following what was to be her final vote (to close one of our buildings) within the walls of the very institution she held in such high regard, she quietly and abruptly slipped away. 

I am moved and honored to have witnessed her face last evening, and the warmth and appreciation she outwardly displayed toward the youth of our community. To the students themselves I say this: you have honored Mrs. Mouton in the most wonderful and pleasing way imaginable. You are all fine examples of articulate, educated, and respectful people – people attending the same meeting for a common purpose: the betterment of education within our district. Sadly, there were those in attendance that were antagonistic, rude and critical. These individuals, one could argue, reflect the struggles that educators such as Mrs. Mouton face every day: ignorance, arrogance, and intolerance.

Students, you represented Liverpool High School in a way that would make any educator proud. You were a breath of fresh air. Through your maturity and genuine concern for your school, you unknowingly gave Mrs. Mouton her final look at the future of our district. I believe with all my heart that Mrs. Mouton saw in you a glimpse of what that future may hold. like the seasoned educator she was, through wisdom and years of experience, her subtle reaction signaled that the future is full of promise and things will be just fine.

Thank you, Mrs. Mouton, for your dedication and service to our community. You will be missed.

Respectfully,

Jennifer Stoddard.