Public Assistance

One of the things that we citizens in Burke County have learned over the past year is that we are capable of joining together in the spirit of aiding our children and our school employees. The board majority affectionately calls this phenomenon that they created “the Mob,” and there are many shining stars that have emerged from the throes of people called to action in this struggle.

If we are fortunate enough to win a majority of seats on the school board, I think it is imperative that we include citizens in advisory roles for the school system. There is too much talent in this county not to use it!

It will take years to reverse the damage that the board majority has inflicted on the schools and we will need assistance and support from the public to make things right again.

One of the ways I would like to see the public involved is the formation of Citizen Advisory Committees. Below are some of the areas that could benefit from public participation:

Committee on Elimination of the Achievement Gap

Special Education (Exceptional Children) Committee

Advisory Council on School Facilities

Council on Arts Education in the Schools

School Sports Advisory Council

These would not be oversight committees. I see these groups as opportunities to brainstorm with the administrators and teachers as to how to improve different areas, or problem-solving groups that can assist administrators and teachers in finding solutions to whatever issues that may arise.

Once the election is over, we cannot lose our focus. We must continue to aid the school system and its employees.

As I wrote above, we have so much talent in Burke, we must use it!!!!