Board balance

To the editor:

One of the most important elections facing voters is the Lawrence school board race.

Ten years ago, I was naive enough to believe that this election was of little consequence. I would vote strictly on name recognition. Whoever had enough money to throw up large, visible signs received my vote. Rarely did I question where that candidate got the money for all those advertisements.

The school board sets policies for all district operations such as curriculum, personal, facilities and finance. They are the superintendent’s boss.

There is, however, a special interest group that has known for years how important these elections are. This group is the Lawrence Education Assn., LEA. They conduct a survey and select candidates to support with endorsements, money and time promoting their agenda.

The LEA title paints a picture of a group of professionals that have come together to have discussions on philosophy and theories of education. The LEA however is a labor union. The union’s obligation is to its dues-paying membership as a collective voice at the bargaining table. I do not begrudge the teachers belonging to a union. They have a right to have an organization that speaks to and addresses their personal interest and concerns.

We must understand the roles. The school board is the voice of the community; the teachers union to represent teachers. In Lawrence, we have lost our balance.

I know I will vote for individuals with new ideas putting the children first.

Linda Weinmaster,

Lawrence