The selection of a replacement for Dave Reed on the school board comes at a time when the board’s decision process is critical. Not only are we building more schools but we have contract negotiations to consider for both teachers and administrative positions.

We have the WASL, for which changes may be coming down the pike and we are losing the leader who has set the tone for the district for over a decade.

It’s also a chance for the board to bring on a member that has been involved in the community, taking on grass roots elections such as maintenance and operations levies as well as bonds. We need someone with school-age children who understands the pressures that parents face today when raising those school-age children. We need someone who has shown a genuine interest in the community and isn’t afraid to get in and help where help is needed.

Maybe some experience on the teaching side of the equation would be good as well. A few of the candidates have teaching experience and bringing that knowledge to the board would be beneficial and create a new stream of communication from the board to the teachers and vice versa.

So I urge the school board to select a candidate who has put time into this community to make it better, has school-age children and who understands the impacts of our growth on our ability to create better products from our schools. Your decision for a candidate will affect the entire Valley.