Editorial: Strong school leaders needed in stormy times

Among the choices facing Johnson County voters in the April 7 election are contested races on school boards. With education funding and policy in the crosshairs in Topeka, it is essential to have strong leaders at home.

The Star’s editorial board is making recommendations in selected races:

Olathe

The hottest race features newcomers Joe Beveridge and Robyn R. Essex vying for an open seat.

Beveridge, owner of an environmental consulting service, is the best choice. He vows to communicate with state legislators about the impact of tax cuts and other policies.

Incumbent LeEtta J. Felter, the current board president, has proven to be a reliable voice for good schools in her first term on the board and deserves re-election over Jim Poe.

Shawnee Mission

Incumbent Sara D. Goodburn, an active school parent, has been a productive board member and deserves re-election over Mark Ellis. The latter is running in part because he objected to material displayed in a classroom as part of the middle-school sex-education curriculum.

Newcomers Brad Stratton and Elizabeth Rulo are contending for an open seat. Stratton, president of a financial services firm, would bring a valuable business perspective.

Blue Valley

Incumbent Pam Robinson, a former teacher who has served on the board since 2003, is challenged by Alana Roethle. Cindy Bowling, a pediatrician who is seeking a second term, faces Larry Fotovich.

Voters should stick with the experienced candidates. They have the skills to deal with the challenges ahead.

This story was originally published March 24, 2015 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Editorial: Strong school leaders needed in stormy times."