Vote With Care in School Board Races
Election day is quickly approaching and I find myself thinking that I should be out walking precincts, preparing for candidate forums or at least kissing a few babies, but here I am watching nine other candidates doing “my” job.
As most of you know, I will not be running for school board, but that does not mean that I have any less passion for public education and the future of our kids. In one way or another, I have been involved with kids all of my life. Since graduating from college I have been a preschool teacher, an elementary teacher, a Girl and Boy Scout leader, coach, parent, grandparent, PTA volunteer at all levels, committee and task force member and school board trustee.
As a result, I take school board elections very seriously, and this year is no different. For the good of our society and our future, we must do everything we can to ensure the proper education of our children whether we have kids in school or not.
In order to make proper decisions about candidates, they must be informed decisions. Many times voters base their choice on single-issue candidates who think the way they do on a certain “hot” issue. I would caution against this. When you see the broad range of areas that will certainly also come before the new board, you realize that no one could possibly be an expert in every area. Therefore, as voters, it is our responsibility to pick the candidates who demonstrate the character, the background and the willingness to listen and who always put the best interest of our students first.
I cannot and will not make this decision for you, but there will be candidate forums, campaign literature, newspaper articles or word-of-mouth recommendations. Be alert, pay attention. The successful future of public schools will be decided by you, if you put the right people in leadership positions.
Finally, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to serve this community for the last eight years. It has been an inspiring and rewarding experience. I have met and worked with many wonderful and dedicated people who give me hope about the future of public education. Please keep the momentum going. Vote intelligently on Nov. 5.
JUDY BARRY
President, Simi Valley
Board of Education
Simi Valley
