As a retired teacher with 25 years of experience in education in Lake County, here's what I'm looking for in a candidate for Lake County superintendent of schools.

First of all, I expect my candidate to have knowledge of current educational issues as they pertain to budget, personnel, teaching strategies, curriculum, law and leadership. Education has become an incredibly complex system which, unfortunately, often defies logic and reason. An idea which seems feasible from a business point of view is oftentimes not allowed due to state and federal laws, Education Code, and/or employee contracts. Our county educational leader needs to be aware of today's best practices and be willing to abide by all the laws which govern education today.

Secondly, my candidate should have current and detailed knowledge of each of the seven school districts in the county. Each district has its own special concerns, strengths and weaknesses. An effective county superintendent would already have relationships with people in each district and would work to build upon those relationships. I expect our new leader to continue to help us collaborate across districts to cut costs and make our efforts more effective.

Last, but not least of all, I want our county leader to commit to continue the programs and supports that have been put in place in the last 15 years: Healthy Start, county pre-schools, the College Going Initiative, enhanced technical/vocational programs and the expansion of the truancy reduction program. These programs have made a world of difference to Lake County teachers, students, and their families. Many of these programs would not have been possible without the grant writing efforts of Lake County Office of Education staff.

I was a teacher at Burns Valley School when Judy Luchsinger was superintendent 16 years ago. The service and support to my school and my district was negligible. It was as if the south county just did not exist. I do not buy her argument that business experience is directly applicable to education. While I agree that we all need to be fiscally responsible and accountable, there are many more differences than similarities.

Wally Holbrook has my vote for Lake County superintendent of schools. He has ample and varied experience as a shop teacher, principal, district superintendent, and most recently, as a leadership coach. He is well aware of the challenges our districts face as he has worked closely with Lake County principals and superintendents to help them be more effective leaders. He has vowed to review all county programs, keeping those which are the most important and eliminating or revising those which are not. Wally Holbrook fits my criteria for a candidate and has my vote. I hope on June 8, he will have yours, too.

 

Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake.