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Well - for better or worse — I’m going to do something I haven’t done for a long time: Endorse a political candidate. Since I don’t think anyone reads this blog except Porter Miller, it probably won’t make any difference, but after all, it’s my blog. As Bill Mauldin might have said, “If you can find a better blog, go to it.”

I’m impressed with the resume (actually, the life history) of Jeff Slifer, who is a candidate for an at-large seat on the Richmond School Board. Jeff is a local boy (Wayne Van Sickle says he had him in class at RHS). He went on to earn a B.A. in accounting at I.U. East, and later a Technical Certificate in Electronics at Ivy Tech. Based on all that local education, he started his own business as co-owner of Automated Controls & Electrical Supply in Richmond. He’s been involved in his share of local volunteer organizations; in fact, he was a member of the RCS School Board from 2002-2006 and was probably not re-elected because he didn’t campaign hard enough. He’s running again, and based on his record, I happen to think he should be elected.

Why is he needed on the School Board? Two main reasons: 1) Jeff’s skills in accounting and business are the kind we will need in the next few years to deal with the financial restrictions looming just ahead, and 2) He has a proven track record in his business success and his former service on the Board to achieve the best results in educating our children. He is goal-oriented and has learned to expect measurable results.

How are we doing in local education? I’m sorry to have to say it, but we are doing way below what we should be doing. We are ranked in the LOWEST TEN PERCENT of Indiana schools in passing ISTEP English and math tests. We can do better. We must do better.

I happen to have a high regard for anyone serving on the local School Board. It is the hardest working and lowest paid of any of our elected boards. But we are not getting where we should be. Board members spend an enormous amount of time doing their job. They have extended discussions on how to improve our children’s education. They approve many fine programs. But the results are not what they should be. Things need to change. I believe that Jeff’s presence on the School Board will help focus more on setting goals and demanding measurable results. We can do better; we can expect the best and insist on the best. For the sake of our children, we can do nothing less.

–Vic Jose

Vic Jose :: Apr.26.2010 :: Uncategorized ::

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