But the biggest need in our schools, and the most immediate challenge facing whichever of these two men is elected Nov. 7, is to rally the community around the school system. We need to feel better about our schools. We need to know positive changes can occur. We need to know our concerns and ideas will be listened to and acted upon. Uplifting our public schools is going to require, first and foremost, more parental involvement, active participation by the business community and financial and moral support from the community at large.
Good schools are a reflection of good communities.
We believe Warford is best prepared to rally Marion County for positive change in our public schools and, therefore, recommend him for superintendent of schools. He has proved over the past two years of campaigning to be dynamic, passionate and enthusiastic about tackling the problems facing our schools. He also is a proven teacher he was Marion County's teacher of the year in 1997 and understands what it takes in the classroom to provide a quality education to our youngsters. That he has some real-life business experience is a bonus for a school system that has been hammered time and again by the business community and outside experts for its management practices. Beyond Warford's energetic personality, we like many of his ideas, too.