Two candidates for the Manatee County School Board offer differing views for public education: Dr. Sharon Jefferson, a lifelong educator, and Ms. Cindy Spray, a former corporate accountant.
In a League of Women Voters forum, Ms. Spray described the school board’s role: “It all comes back to numbers” and “We are here to develop students to become productive citizens and workers for our employers.”
In an interview with this writer, when asked what she would do if elected, Dr. Jefferson responded:
“As a school board member, I will ask teachers and support staff what they need to help children succeed. It is the teacher’s role to discover, encourage, and support students, and the responsibility of all of us to help them develop their potential. Education must be prioritized to transform our community and overcome inequities.”
Born and raised in Palmetto, Dr. Jefferson realized her calling early. She has dedicated her life to learning and to teaching public school children. She currently teaches social studies to fifth- and sixth-grade students.
These candidates present two different visions. Which vision will you choose? Should schools train students to become productive workers for employers, or should they support young people in discovering their abilities and pursuing their own goals?
I recommend a vote for Dr. Sharon Jefferson, who has dedicated her life to teaching and finding better ways to educate children.
Note: A School Board candidate who receives more than 50% of the primary vote wins the seat outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates advance to the November election.
YOU may be the one to cast the extra vote. I urge you: select the most qualified candidate, Dr. Sharon Jefferson.
Diane Canniff
Manatee County
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dougeggerrealtor
I'm sure Ms. Jefferson is a highly qualified educator, long experienced, respected in her field. I do NOT, however, feel that qualifes her for a School Board seat. School Board is an administrative body, responsible for bugeting, employment, and overall business administration. Decisions about ciriculum, methodology, student achievement, other classroom-based standards and goals are the responsibility of the Superintendant, teachers, and staff....NOT the School Board. I believe Ms. Spray's experience in the private sector, and on the Board more than qualify her for re-election. I support Cindy Spray.
Wednesday, August 12 Report this