To the Editor:

Much has been written on the pages of this newspaper regarding Franklin’s school situation.

Associate publisher Tony Clark wrote a recent column (“Enough is enough, part two,” Oct. 14) indicating that the time for electing members to the Franklin school board has come. I hardily agree.

I would go a step further and advocate for electing five members, all at-large, who would serve a two-year term. They could be reelected to additional two-year terms as often as the citizens continue to support them with their votes. If they are failing to live up to community expectations, they are voted out.

I advocate these five elected positions on an at-large basis because Franklin is in dire straits and needs the best leadership it can find now regardless of where the candidates for election live in the city. Also, five members are more manageable than the current seven.

To save valuable election expense money, all five should run at the same time city council members are elected. Yes, it may be possible for all five to be voted out, and if that is the case, so be it. It takes most of the first year on the school board to understand the various rules, regulations and procedures.

Thus, a new member of the board would have to demonstrate to the electorate that he/she is willing to hit the ground running and to work for the educational well-being of its most critical component — its school children.

 

Bob Holt

Sylva, N.C.

Formerly Franklin