Thanks and let’s get ready for challenges

I would like to thank all the people I have worked with over the last four years while serving as a board member for the Marysville School District. It has been an extremely rewarding, challenging and educational time.

I would like to thank my wife and children for putting up with me being gone so much. I would like to thank all the current board members – Cary Peterson, Mark Johnson, Helen Mount, Ron Young and past board member Don Hatch. It has been a pleasure getting to know them and to work with them. I would also like to thank the wonderful and talented staff. The professional staff we have in our central office and schools are the right people to see us through these challenging times.

Lastly I would like to thank Superintendent Dr. Linda Whitehead. Her passion, vision and commitment to the students of the Marysville School District is unsurpassed by anyone I know. Throughout all the controversy, the threats and racial and sexist letters, she has maintained her professionalism and commitment to the students.

There are and will be many challenges ahead for the new board. Enrollment is down this year and may be down next year. Combined with possible further cuts from the state, the importance of making sound financial decisions is critical. The clock is ticking on the federal No Child Left Behind Act and WASL requirements.

The election is over and even though some may not agree with the outcome, that is the way it is. We all need to work together to put the past behind us and do what is in the best interest of the students. I encourage the new board members to learn as much as they can, ask questions and when you make a decision, ask yourself if it will truly benefit students today, tomorrow or five years from now.

Marysville School Board

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