Letter: A Time to Serve

Editor's note: The following has been submitted by Melissa Cole, a candidate for Lexington-Richland 5's school board. 

 

Over the course of my lifetime, I have seen this district from every
vantage point. I was a student, a teacher and an administrator. I am a
parent, a taxpayer and a business professional working in the private
sector right here in our own backyard.

In all of these roles, I have seen the absolute best that this
district has to offer: bright students, dedicated teachers, involved
parents and supportive community members. Unfortunately, I have also
seen the worst. This is why I decided to offer myself for the position
of District Five School Board Trustee.

For as long as I can remember in my adult life, our district has been
mired down in division, dysfunction and discord. Quite frankly, we
have an absolute mess on our hands. I knew it was bad before jumping
into this race. That is one of the reasons I am here – to try to help.
But I did not know it was this bad.

Over the course of the past several weeks, we have seen board members
or their direct surrogates calling on the boycotting of local
businesses supporting candidates other than their own. We have seen
adults promoting hate-filled, threatening statements and rhetoric
online that our kids in schools would be disciplined for initiating or
participating in.

At recent forums, board candidates have been asked what can be done
about bullying and cyber-bullying in our schools. Is the irony of that
lost on anyone?

If you are listening in certain circles, you have heard talk of the
“good guys” and the “dark side.” You have heard board members convey
that anyone not in lock step with them is against them. You have heard
them say they will continue to fight against the “tyrannical” rule of
those who disagree with them on some issues.

I have to ask: How is that working for us?

I have nothing personal against my opponent in this race. I have
nothing personal against any member of our board. I commend Mr. [Robert] Gantt
for his twelve years of service and I am appreciative for all that he
has tried to do for our district.

But the fact of the matter is – not one board member has been
effective in moving us past the gridlock and moving us forward for the
sake of our children, our teachers, our schools and our community.

I believe I can help us do this. Here’s how:

1. I can assure you – unless I am transported in a time machine back
to the 1770s – I will not fight against the “tyrannical” rule. In
fact, I am not going to fight against anyone or anything. Rather, I am
going to put aside personal feelings, reject petty politics and
relentlessly advocate for students, teachers, parents and taxpayers.
Theirs is the only side I am on. Always.

2. I will demonstrate respect for all members of the community,
including those who express dissenting views. All stakeholders who
take the time to deliberate on our community’s future should be heard
and appreciated for their commitment to the collective purpose we all
share.

3. I will renew our commitment to the classroom. No one is well-served
when our leadership is too narrowly focused on building new
facilities. We need to be focused on growing and developing all
students to their fullest potential while empowering and supporting
teachers in doing the most important work of the district.

4. I will implement financial and accountability reforms to ensure
funds are being used as efficiently as possible and resources are
directed where they are needed most.

5. I will promote openness and transparency within our system. When
governmental bodies operate in full public view, their decisions are
most likely to be in the community’s best interest. The people of
District Five deserve access to public information. And when their
elected officials make a decision they deserve to not only know what
but why.

6. I will continually strive for better schools. We must build upon
our strengths, but should not be afraid to address areas in which
improvement is needed.

As is the case with any election, you have a choice. That is what it
is all about in this great country of ours. Do you want to continue as
we are or do you think it is time for a fresh start and different
approach? Do you want to merely maintain what we do well or do you
want to identify and address areas in which we are weak? Are you
satisfied with what has been or do you want to explore what could be?

If you are like me, and you believe we can be better than we currently
are, if you believe it is past time for us to refocus on what really
matters for our students, teachers, parents and taxpayers, then I
would be truly honored to have your support.

For more information on me and my campaign, please visit my website
(melissacoleforboard.com) or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate
to contact me at melissacoleforschoolboard@gmail.com. 

 

Melissa Cole

Candidate for Richland County seat on Lexington-Richland 5 Board of Trustees