SCHOOLS: No egos, ideologies

How should we understand the nature of elected boards? Originally designed to be non-partisan, there have been attempts to change that practice. I believe that there are two questions that need to be addressed. Is it desirable to have boards retain their non-partisan nature? Is it possible for boards to be non-partisan? I would like to draw on 14 years as a Trustee with the Post Falls School Board and answer both questions.

Should boards be non-partisan? Yes! Trustees on local school boards ought to be focused on a single mission – to provide the best educational experience possible for the children in their community. Their allegiance must be to that mission and not to a political party. It is not about a Republican model for education or a Democratic model for education, it is about the local community and its vision for the education of children. Community and children must come before politics.

Is it possible for boards to be non-partisan? Detractors would say no. It is not possible for people to put aside their political ideologies. In the last 14 years, I have served with a remarkable group of persons. For the most part, I did not know if they were Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians or Independents. This is what I do know. Good board members check both their ideologies and their egos at the door. Not only is this possible, but I have been a witness to it.

When you go the polls on May 21, vote for candidates who are qualified to serve and are committed to the non-partisan nature of boards.

MICHELLE LIPPERT

Post Falls