School Board Elections

With only one candidate for three seats, the School Board would appoint the other two members.

With only three candidates for three seats, there is no need for an election and the people get no say. It would be cheaper for the school to not have to pay for an election. However, the school board becomes volunteer opportunity for a few select, interested parties.

Having four candidates means that the vote must now go to the people. There will be campaigns and slogans, but these candidates must go deeper. They must explain their plans, their concerns, and their motivations to the people.

Being a part of the school board gives the adults of the community an opportunity to impact their youth and the future. Being a part of the school board may not be fun and exciting, but it is necessary. If you want us to know how to lead, then teach us.

We (the student body) have always been taught the importance of education and participation in democracy, and now the people who should be setting the example for us are taking advantage of that opportunity.

The community and the voters need to do their part in this election as well. Democracy without participation is tyranny. What good is an election if people do not know the facts and understand the issues?

We need strong leaders that are responsible and critical to show us the way. However, we also need a public that is paying attention to decisions of the School Board. We should be critical of government, but it should be constructive criticism. President Obama warned in his Farewell Address that we should not “allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character aren’t even willing to enter in public service.”