051404 Keep a woman and a mother on the school board by voting for Donna Walsh

To the Editor:

It is important for our community to consider the value of having a woman and a mom's perspective on the school board. We believe most would agree women and men often analyze and resolve issues in a different style or manner. This distinction provides real benefits, especially when solving complex issues facing our schools. Since women and mothers are a significant part of our community, it is important to have a woman and, if possible, a mother, participating directly in the decisionmaking affecting the education of our children and its impact on our taxpayers.

We met Donna Walsh eight years ago when she and Laura served together on the KES PTO board. As both women took turns serving as PTO presidents, we came to know Donna well. We can confidently state she is one of the hardest working, capable individuals in this community. We have great respect for how Donna balances her family, work, and board responsibilities: she is wife, mother of two, an attorney, and' is involved in many community organizations. If you attend board meetings, you know she comes prepared, speaks thoughtfully to the issues, and respectfully to members of the community.

What impresses us the most is her willingness to listen to her constituents and follow up on their concerns. She is not perfect. Like all of us, she has made misjudgments, but she acknowledges mistakes, reacts to the needs of the community, and acts with integrity.

Regardless of one's personal feelings toward the administration or the board, the progress that has been made the last several years in terms of improved board scores and college admittances combined with greater participation in interscholastic sports and the arts must be acknowledged.

The budget and all the propositions, including expanding the board to seven members merit community support. We feel our hard-earned tax dollars are being managed responsibly, and expanding the board will increase its capabilities.

Please do not overlook the contribution of and the significance of having a woman's voice in this process. Donna Walsh is a good board member and looks to represent the interests of the entire community. She deserves to be re-elected. We hope the voters recognize the value of her involvement and the importance of keeping a woman and a mom on our school board.