From: Richard Gold
Columbus
More than ever this school board election matters. School board choices are rooted in what is best for our children’s academic achievement and social development. Post-pandemic, there are more reasons.
Post-pandemic, the separation of where we work and where we live becomes a choice for many more of us. More families get to choose where they live regardless of job location. And if you ask families what counts in where they want to live, children’s education is almost always a huge criterion.
The pandemic also interrupted normal school rhythms of attendance and challenged more students to maintain grade level achievement. And there’s a growing teacher shortage everywhere.
Candidates must understand the role of the board. It is to work hand-in-hand with administration and staff to guide vision and policy, support attraction/retention of qualified teachers, and ensure strong governance. It is not micromanagement. Hired professionals do the heavy lifting.
Increasingly it’s to help BCSC overcome funding hurdles created by state legislators, including diverting public tax dollars to private schools; or suggesting these roles become party-affiliated.
Our public school system is not the place for divisive partisan politics nor to merge religious dogma and educational policy. We have far too many religious preferences in Bartholomew County to let beliefs of one subordinate others, particularly as it relates to potential censorship and book banning. Let educators be educators.
So who?
Dale Nowlin in District 4 is a clear choice. He is adamant the school system must address the needs of all children. He taught for four decades, was math department chair at Columbus North and Northside, on the congressionally appointed National Assessment Governing Board and brings a broad view of best educational practices to our community. He strongly advocates for one-on-one support for kids challenged by the last few years whether it is counseling or tutoring. He is a willing listener, wants to understand all perspectives on issues, and is a coalition builder. He strongly supported the referendum to increase teacher pay.
Newcomer Annakarina Hurtado (District 1) brings a history of early childhood teaching, advocates for more in-classroom teacher resources and leveraging information technology. She supports student mental health assistance in the pandemic’s wake. And she provides a fresh and helpful perspective for the fastest growing population in our schools, Latino children.
Rich Stenner, District 2, provides a steady hand, listens well and brings strong financial understanding. He would support a referendum repeat if required. He advocates for one-on-one support for those in need. Nowlin, Hurtado and Stenner all encourage additional public listening forums.
Cheryl Miles-Vieth and Kathy Dayhoff-Dwyer bring strong experience in District 6. Miles-Vieth sports 35 years of educational experience, and Dayhoff-Dwyer 12 years of proven board service. Both are strong referendum proponents and encourage emotional and educational support for those in need.
Importantly, these candidates understand funding mechanics and challenges of local schools. Make sure to vote for continued forward progress in our public schools.
Editor’s note: This letter is paid political content. It is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
