Wants forward-looking school board

The Whitefish School District Board of Trustees is comprised of seven citizens elected to represent the community in setting district policies, adopting the budget, placing tax levies and bond issues on the ballot, hiring personnel including the superintendent, and for providing the necessary facilities for the education of our community's youth.

Next Tuesday, May 4, there is an important election for two positions on that board. The candidates consist of incumbent Ruth Harrison, former board member Charlie Abell, and two newcomers, Jack Silliker and Peter Elespuru.

As concerned citizens, what should we look for in a board member? One, a positive attitude toward the enhancement and advancement of the educational system and facilities.

Two, awareness of educational needs and requirements for success in the 21st century. One could cite other qualifications, but a good grasp of these two will be an asset for the position on the board.

The awareness of the needs for the 21st century is key. If you are over 60, you probably don't have a good understanding of the world our children are growing up in today. The three "R's' are still necessary, but other skills that the baby boomers and earlier generations got along without are vital.

Students in middle and high schools are technologically in touch. They are presented class lessons on electronic "whiteboards' and refer to the Internet for research and answers. Communication is via cell phone, texting and e-mail, not notes passed from hand to hand. Our youth will be spending much of their time in front of screens and keyboards interfacing with work, friends and the world. They need to know how to use these tools to get ahead, even in areas of vocational studies.

To develop our schools and systems toward the instruction of these needs as skills, and not passing fads, is essential. These advancements in teaching tools and techniques go hand in hand with a proper environment in which to learn.

A talk with the administration or a walk through our high school and middle school will illuminate the difference between a school of the past and a step into the future of educational facilities. Remodeling or retrofitting a facility that is already dysfunctional as a physical plant is a waste of money.

The teachers and administration in Whitefish currently do a great job with the facilities, especially the high school. Our graduating students are the academic leaders of the Flathead Valley. What if they were being taught with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities? The outcome could be amazing.

Economics can always be used as an argument against raising and spending money, and now is no different. When is it a good time to raise a bond issue? Whitefish has a great number of affluent and intelligent citizens that, if enlisted in the challenge for a new school, could contribute as we all will for the betterment of our educational system.

Regarding our four candidates and their positions: Ruth Harrison is a proven asset to the board. Charlie Abell and Jack Silliker, though motivated to serve, are mired in the ancient upbringing and education system of years ago. A review of their positions in the Pilot reveals statements such as: "We don't need to drive a Cadillac when a Chevy will do." (Which would you rather for your son or daughter? I'd like a something efficient and spiffy.)

Why are kids leaving for Glacier High School? Peter Elsepuru noted: "Glacier High School É with its 'fun atmosphere … a better experience'." (It is a new facility with all the modern amenities, including a cafeteria.) He goes on to say, "Introducing new teaching ideas like Freshman Academy and 21st Century skills and a new strategic plan is not the answer."

Are the attitudes of these men what we want as part of the school board membership? I think not. I would like to see board candidates who are positive, open-minded, forward-thinking and, above all, ready to understand and surmount the issues facing the district.

I have a son who is in the middle school, and he will continue on to our high school. He is my vested interest in the system. If I had any forethought months ago, I would have put my name on the ballot, but unless written in, it is between these four. Our children are the future, please vote wisely.

Toby Scott lives in Whitefish.