As I read the goals and qualifications of the seven candidates for the Sussex-Wantage school board (thank you, Advertiser-News, for this public service), I was struck by the profound difference between the two slates of candidates.
On the one hand were goals I would expect from those influencing the future of our children’s education: improved achievement, a fair and quality education, and non-partisan support for parents and teachers.
On the other were statements such as “our families are under attack,” “woke New Jersey Education Association” and “all the children in our community need to be protected.”
As election day nears, I hope that all eligible voters will vote and that voters will carefully consider the candidates for the school board and not vote out of habit for a particular political persuasion.
My daughter had the benefit of thoughtful, experienced and challenging teachers in the Sussex-Wantage school system. The result: her values (and ours) were supported and expanded so that today she functions with integrity, insight, intellect and emphathy.
The Education is Opportunity slate appears to be consistent with this quality of education.
Conversely, Wantage Hometown Conservatives appear to be influenced by the trend in this country for cultural wars over policy.
As you go to the polls this November, please carefully consider the educational future you want for our children. An education built on academic achievement, love of learning, and consistency with our Constitution’s goals of “ ... a more perfect Union ... and ... the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”?
Or would you prefer a school board that appears to be focused on culture wars and fear?
I hope not the latter.
Please vote, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent, and make it a vote for a more perfect Union.
Gary DiPippo
Wantage