We have a school board election coming up in May, as we do every year. Many see this as a matter of little consequence. However, the truth of the matter is "the school can never rise above the leadership of the board."

I'm certain you are well aware of the many successes we have achieved in the past several years -- from beginning a very successful child-care program for staff and community, to having three "Recognized" schools, to having quality fine arts and athletic programs, to having the most up-to-date technology available to your children. The main focus of the board is to see that your children have a quality educational experience and provide for the needs of the district.

I want to offer special kudos to our board members. For their efforts and dedication, they get a whopping pay of $0! They have done such an outstanding job we are thinking of doubling their pay!

One has to wonder what motivates someone to run for the board. Is it a feeling of duty to the community or family? For each one it is probably a different reason. We, however, are very fortunate to have such dedicated members that strive to provide our teachers and children with all they need to get their difficult jobs done. They do this while keeping the tax rate lower than any school district within 100 miles.

It is important to know that these members have very full lives outside of their service to the district. However, they give unselfishly of themselves to make sure Troup ISD is strong and remains so. Helen Keller once said, "I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker."

As I alluded to earlier, nothing great happens without great leadership. It is my personal and professional opinion that we have great leadership at the board level. It is my fervent hope that you will become a part of this board election by remembering to cast your vote. Regardless of your choice of candidate, it is the practice and participation of democracy that makes our form of representative government work.