Editor:
It is heartening to see quality candidates putting their names forward as school trustee candidates in the coming municipal election.
Last election trustees were elected by acclamation because there were only seven candidates.
We are in a long-term battle, in Delta as well as elsewhere, to preserve the excellence of our public schools -- among the finest in the world. I think our board has done an outstanding job, but acclamation of school boards is somewhat of a problem.
The general public is not involved. School boards need to be locally elected in order the desires of the public will be expressed in school governance; otherwise we would just have government schools as they have in some less democratic countries.
Of course, this system requires the participation of citizens in local school board elections. The Optimist always does a great job of providing information about the candidates so voters can decide who they prefer. A good cross-section of candidates will provide lots of choices and is ultimately beneficial for the board.
As a trustee on the Delta board of education for the last six years, I am extremely proud of what our staff and our district have been able to accomplish in the face of serious and regrettable budget challenges. We must continue to advocate fiercely for increased funding for public education and I hope this increase in public interest will create an increase in voter participation.
After all, they are your schools; so find out who's running and have your say.
Simon Truelove
Trustee
Delta Board of Education
