Who will lead us?
By Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Thursday, January 14, 2010

      On Tuesday, February 9, Oklahomans cast their votes for local school board members at polling places across our state.  Voters will decide more than just who wins or loses a race; they will be deciding who will be joining parents, educators and administrators in guiding the children of this state toward the best future possible. 
      School board members provide a critical public service in every community.  Members face the daunting task of creating a vision for their school district, making certain that state and federal laws are followed and that the school leaders they hire are held accountable to the communities they serve.  
      For many members, this is a second or third job and one that includes many meetings and school functions, along with hours spent learning about reports, local, state and national issues and data relevant to their local schools.   Board members are required to take continuing education training and routinely make difficult decisions regarding personnel and how to best utilize funding and resources.
      Local school board members are true leaders in our society.  They don't receive paychecks.  Rather, they volunteer their time and, in return, are rewarded by positively impacting children’s lives and their communities.
      Electing the candidate who is best suited for this type of job can only be decided by registered voters.  Board members ultimately elected must deal with a growing number of state and federal regulations, as well as the largest and most diverse student populations in our state’s history.
      One could say that every election is more important than the one before—because the impact of each elected official stretches far into the future.  Yet higher student expectations and the ongoing economic crisis do distinguish this school board election from those in recent years.
      Your decisions on February 9 will have an impact not only on the children in your school district, but also on the economic vitality of your community for years to come. So, please, do your homework and don’t forget to vote!
      
       Read to a child – the benefits last a lifetime!
       




www.sde.state.ok.us


EDITORS: For more information, contact Shelly Hickman, State Department of Education, (405) 521-3371.