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Board of Ed #6
Posted:
Apr 19, 1999 12:35 PM
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=====( To Win a Board of Education Election, Part 6 )=====
While reviewing the proofs of the campaign two ads ready to be
printed in the newspapers this and next week, I discovered that
the announced dates were wrong ! So always check your work.
Don't we tire of telling our students this ?!
April 9
- - - The Board of Ed/PTO Candidates Night / Debates - - -
My presentation went well at last Tuesday's meeting. Actually
better than expected given that I forgot to bring my 3 minute
opening speech. So I basically read from my campaign flyer.
It was all bullet points, pithy and direct, with a bit of verbal
smoothing from one point to the other. Smiles and looking at
the audience from time to time carried me until the end. Some-
one noted that I spent a lot of time looking at the moderator
which showed respect (ok...). Another added that I looked
good on tv (it was televised by cable locally) which suprised
me. The Board president predicted the votes as
Tim 1480
Ron 1360
Al 1250 (me)
John 700.
So he places me as winning last. Something about not being
as well politically connected as the others (excuse me...) and
how my beard would lose me votes (what about his ?). Well,
at least he's honest. Ok John, but we shall see...
Actually there were very few questions from the audience. Old
political enemies were there. But were, by and large, silent.
No one has ever run on a science & math agenda before, and
I haven't said much about the budget (which I support, though
they don't). So I guess they will wait this one out.
Generally, my feedback was very positive. Either way, I'm
relieved it's over. That night I couldn't get to sleep until 3 AM.
My campaign machine (actually that of my two running mates)
has cranked out two hugh bulk mailings this past week. Two
more are expected. One ad has appeared locally and another
will this Thursday. Money oils these machines. So this is how
some people win elections without campaigning. So far the
bill has been $250, plus whatever is necessary for a few coffees.
In addition, volunteer support from our local education advocacy
group will pay for two more bulk mailings, a massive phone out-
reach and poll watchers. That's for free ;-) Thanks guys !
Again, the issue of our science curriculum has come up. One
individual approached me while shopping and asked if I had
plans to "do something about it". There I was with my son
and a set of juice boxes. After reassuring her of my concerns
and concrete plans, I realized that now there was no going
back.
April 12
Today I dug out some old files on education which I had printed
and stored last year. This one on the rise of commercialism in
public education is at
http://www.corpwatch.org/trac/feature/education
Given the flurry of recent articles (NY Times, etc.) on the "free"
McGraw-Hill math textbooks which used commercial products
in word problems (with those little copyright symbols and all),
this material is worth reviewing.
April 18
I attended a fund raiser for our local education foundation, of
which I am a trustee. We recently received our 501(c)(3), so
there was much to celebrate.
Many, many of the attendees wished me well on Tuesday's
election, although a few here and there weren't aware that
there was one (don't ask) ;-)
=============================================
The writer is a candidate for Board of Education of Metuchen,
a district of approximately 1,350 in New Jersey. Aside for
concerns about effective and accountable district management,
an affordable budget, and increased communication with the
community, I'm calling for strong upgrading of K-12 math and
science education.
Currently, our math & science core curriculum will become
closely aligned with those recommended by the state:
http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/~magarell/njmc
By sharing these thought with you, I'm inviting all to consider
to do as I have. Public education needs the input of scientists,
math and science teachers, not simply businessmen and
politicians. Please consider running for Board of Education in
your hometown.
I have chosen to go door-to-door with an issue oriented leaflet
in hope of reaching the electorate.
This is an experiment to see if we have the power to change
things, and not simply interpret them.
This is also my final posting prior election, which will be held
tomorrow, Tuesday, April 20. My next and final piece will
summarize and discuss the outcome.
Al Barron
Metuchen, NJ
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