Board needs to present quality education

Every now and then something happens that makes us sit up and take notice.

It awakens an empathy from a warm slumber in the middle of a long, cold, winter night. It calls to us until we can answer back with a voice from deep within that we never knew existed.

It leads us far beyond rhetoric, well-placed numbers, smiles, stares, cold shoulders and the comfort level of others.

It leads us to find the truth.

In my life, it has led me to share that truth for a greater good.

A school board is set up to ensure a quality education for our children; but they are not a sovereign entity. To genuinely represent a people (children and families), you have to be receptive to and care about their very real needs (including hearing challenges and life-altering experiences), obligations (that keep them from being in the volunteer spotlight/limelight), and recognize the importance of our varied roles throughout the community. It isn’t about just “having fun” or going to an extreme one way or another.

It’s about finding the best possible solutions given our resources during these challenging times. It’s about a quality education for all children — in the system and out of it.

When we are prepared to be honest with one another, understand our collective purpose, and respect the voice deep within each of us, we will finally reach a plateau we’ve only dreamed of on those long, cold, winter nights.

Now that spring is in the air, breathe in its long awaited warmth to fill your heart, mind and soul. Then find some peace knowing your voice resounds with benevolence throughout this beautiful valley.

Ingrid Pavia

Candidate for school board