My Pledge for Transparency

The election concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and I hope I can count on your support. While school board decisions are rarely made in secret, there is still a long way to go in making those decisions fully transparent. I promise to work toward that goal in several ways.

Those of you who know me personally know that I have been an oft-prolific writer during my years here. In fact, my advocacy on matters of public interest is very likely to be the reason many of you will vote for me.

It turns out that I am the only candidate for school board who is not supportive of the schools referendum appearing on this year's ballot. I'm humbled by the voters who have told me that they will be voting for me based on my judgment and integrity, even though those same voters disagree with me on this referendum.

I simply do not believe the school administration and the promoters of this referendum have made their case well and I believe voters resent the lack of transparency evident in this campaign. The $87 million bond issue, if approved, will severely limit the next school board's ability to address the objective of making NA-FC schools truly great.

As it stands, whoever wins in the at-large race may be the only new member of the school corporation's board of directors. If I win, I may have only a limited impact on the direction of our local public schools. But I will work hard to keep you informed - here and elsewise - should I be honored with your votes.

As possibly the only new member, I will have to hit the ground running. The budget is already set for the year. Whether the referendum passes or not, there will be immediate decisions to be made. By all accounts, the current superintendent will be leaving the corporation and our choice of his successor will be critical.

So, if I win, I will keep you informed on every step I take as your newly elected representative. November 9 will be just the first day of four very busy years and I promise to communicate with you openly from that day forward.

You can keep me informed, too. Let me know your desires and concerns. You can do that here, on the blog, in the comments section. I am on Facebook and Twitter, too. You can email me at truthinourschools@gmail.com or call or text me at 812.944.5116.

Thanks. And be sure to vote. You can vote every day this week through Saturday and then again next Monday morning and all day next Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For voting locations, visit this page on the Floyd County Clerk's website.