Three for Schools

October 27, 2009

Euclid Sun Journal

The Euclid Board of Education faces a tough task. Voters have rejected two levies this year, and if a 5.9 mill issue fails on November 8, drastic cuts loom. Proficiency scores are wobbly and many residents no longer trust their schools.

Nevertheless, five young, enthusiastic candidates are seeking three school board seats this fall. All are cheerleaders for the district. We endorse incumbent Kent K. Smith and newcomers Angela M. Lisy and Barbara A. Ginley.

Smith, 39, is seeking his second term. A 1984 Euclid High School graduate, heÕs proud that under his watch, the district reopened two elementary schools, restored all-day kindergarten and began short-term assessments. He is confident that achievement will improve under these and other changes. He cares deeply and we like his innovative ideas.

Lisy, 36, is a bouncy, committed advocate for more parental involvement, higher student achievement and financial accountability. The mother of four children in the Euclid Schools, she is a senior research associate for Orbital Research Inc. Lisy believes in early intervention and attention to classroom management and discipline.

Ginley, 40, is a former substitute in the Euclid Schools, so she knows classroom challenges first-hand and is refreshingly honest about them. She recognizes differences in schools within the district. She believes in addressing social issues, stronger communication and tight fiscal controls. She has two children in the Euclid Schools.

Also running are Scott A. Carpenter, 39, a Euclid High School graduate who wants to restore pride in the school, and Donna M. Sudar, 48, director of and a teacher at Euclid Co-Op Preschool. Sudar is running with Lisy, but sometimes when candidates run together, the lines blur. We prefer two separate voices.