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Opinion: Here's why these folks won

Dan Gookin | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 12 months AGO
by Dan Gookin
| May 22, 2013 8:11 AM

The dust has settled on Tuesday’s School District 271 election. Let the Wednesday morning quarterbacking begin. I am not immune from this practice.

First, I think it’s wonderful that for the first time in about 20 years, we have a School Board that is 100 percent elected, not appointed. That’s a marvelous thing.

Second, the reason the challengers won Tuesday is simple: They received more votes.

Third, they received more votes because the current school board is unpopular. Too much change too quickly and without transparency led to a great amount of frustration among the parents and general public. This dissatisfaction became evident when I would ask a board member a question about one of their decisions or policies. Their private answer made sense, but it was different from the public perception.

Fourth, school board elections are won by working the PTAs, not the precincts. Parents want board members who first know the schools and the teachers, not which bill sits before Congress.

Finally, although I’m friends with the outgoing board members, and I supported Ms. Seddon, I am not disappointed with Tuesday’s victors. I congratulate Mr. Eubanks, Mr. Hearn, and Ms. Hazel. They each bring a new perspective to the board. It means the system works; conversations and debate will come from all sides. That’s a good thing for the kids, the parents, the teachers, and the community.

Dan Gookin is a member of the Coeur d'Alene City Council.

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