Letters to the Editor

January 03, 2008

Ober, Wagner will be missed

To the editor:

I am writing in reference to the recent article that announced the candidates for the elected Board of Education in Washington County. The slate is interesting and it seems that there is interest in this demanding and time-consuming position.

Having spent more than 30 years in both K-12 and post-secondary education as a teacher, coach and administrator, I have experience in working with board members in both formal and informal settings. The numerous decisions that affect our schools and children require tremendous study and research. Board members have to be continually focused on what will be best for the students. It is a difficult job that requires board members to discard their personal agendas for the betterment of the system.

I am saddened that Bernadette Wagner and Roxanne Ober will not be candidates. These two women ran for office as "a team." This was unheard of and certainly raised eyebrows. However, they were successful and have served this county's children faithfully for the past eight years. I witnessed their courage during difficult discussions on redistricting, various construction projects, the Hancock community gymnasium, the Mike Callas Stadium and numerous other issues. They have been advocates for teachers and the children, always asking questions and seeking solutions that will improve classroom instruction.

Although they will not be on the ballot in the upcoming election, they will serve the remainder of their terms in the manner we have become accustomed to in their decision making. They will ask the question, "Is this in the best interests of the children of Washington County Public Schools?"

Bernadette and Roxanne, thank you for your service.

Robert T. "Bo" Myers
Hagerstown

School system needs some tweaks

To the editor:

Recently I announced my decision to seek a position on the elected school board in Washington County. One of my platform planks may be controversial to some citizens.

Essentially, it says to examine whether our emphasis on academic achievement is stifling creativity in our students. Don't get me wrong, I believe in academic achievement. However, we are at a point in time that many business organizations reach, which is a time to examine where we are and see if we need to tweak things a little bit.

One of my suggestions is to develop after-school clubs for middle school and high school students. Although the security questions have to be answered, I picture volunteers from the community coming and leading classes such as photography, chess ? you name it.

I see at least five things that are in place that inhibit development of a well-rounded child. They are all-day kindergarten, little or no recess, heavy testing loads, heavy homework loads, especially in middle and high school, and the push by the school system to have students complete their high school studies in three and a half years. I am not necessarily suggesting that we stop these things, but at least we should add creativity to the educational experience.

Maybe I am an advocate of one, but my conversations with many, many parents tell me I am not. As I said before, I am not suggesting we tear down what we have ? just examine and tweak if necessary. I realize No Child Left Behind dictates a lot, however I believe there is enough flexibility to make some changes. Thank you for your time.

Meredith Fouche
Sharpsburg
Candidate for Washington County School Board

Imus a racial kick in the teeth

To the editor:

On behalf of the minority community of Hagerstown and the Tri-State area, I would like to take this opportunity to thank radio station WARK-1490 for the slap in the face, the punch in the gut and the kick in the rear by welcoming Don Imus back on the air and giving him an open mic to spew racial bigotry as comedy.

Once again it proves that ratings and money are more important than right and wrong ? reminding us where this area stands on racial issues.

Pastor Raymond Young
West Side Church
Hagerstown

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