The Board faces contentious issues. How will you handle them?

            As a Minister, I am frequently asked to assist in conflict mediation. The key to 
         wading through controversy is honest communication. You can expect me to maintain 
         calm, to listen, to seek the truth, and to work towards community-based action. 

         I believe in transparency. The free flow of information, especially in today's world, is in    
         everyone's best interest. If the Board were to adopt a more transparent style of doing 
         business (posting meeting agendas online in advance of meetings, holding community 
         forums on major issues, etc.), then the entire community would benefit. My door would 
         always be open!

Events

Invitations to suppers and "Meet the Candidate" events are starting to show up in the mailbox. I will do my best to attend as many of those to which I am invited as possible (though the Sunday lunches are very difficult for a minister). I enjoy such opportunities for they provide a time to listen to citizens!

Tomorrow, I'll be heading to Smoot for the Smoot Ruritan Ham & Bean Dinner.

I always welcome opportunities for conversation, so if you know of an important community event or are hosting a forum this primary season, please let me know. I look forward to conversation!

How important are the arts to our student's education?

            Very!  Greenbrier County is blessed with tremendous cultural opportunities for a small
            community. They do not, however, come cheap or without effort. Thanks to the good
            work of the folks at Carnegie Hall and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, for example,
            and the generosity of our arts community, our students are able to expand their cultural
            horizons and learn experientially through drama, music, and dance. The Board of Education 
            currently has a strong relationship with the arts community, and we must keep it that way.

Are our athletics programs on the right track?

Each week, I've been posting common questions I receive and my responses to them. Here's another common question: Are our athletics programs on the right track?

First, education is much bigger than athletics. Priority number one must be in the classroom.

That being said, second, athletics are an important part of a balanced educational system, and we need to re-think how they are organized in our communities. At the primary school level, many students are unable to play sports as they do not have the money to pay fees or the means to travel. Primary schools should work with the communities who do run primary school athletics programs to provide transportation and accessibility. At the secondary school level, the number of students playing for schools has decreased due to consolidation and the professionalization of athletics.  Secondary schools should run their own intramural programs much like colleges to provide all students the opportunity to further their education in athletics. Taking these steps would increase accessibility and place the focus of athletics on their educational value.

Update on Goals for Week #2

Good news, friends...

During this second week of the campaign, we set a goal to raise $1,000, arrange spots for 30 signs, and gain 10 volunteers. As of tonight, we've raised $1,415, arranged spots for 35 signs, and gained 10 volunteers! Thanks to your tremendous support, we reached one goal and exceeded the other two. Let's keep this momentum going all the way to May 8! 

Stay safe amidst the stormy weather tonight.