Call to serve: Let's see who wants to take District 3 post

There is much to say about Monday's discussion at the Wayne County Board of Education meeting and the argument over who should replace Thelma Smith.

But for right now, let's just take one small part.

Here is the advertisement -- right here, right now at no charge: Anyone, and we mean anyone, who lives in the confines of District 3 and who wants to serve as a member of the Wayne County Board of Education, black, white, whatever, please let the school district know.

The qualifications are simple: If you care about providing quality education for all students, no matter what their race or background, you are willing to listen to all sides and to speak for those you represent and you want to make a difference in your community, step up.

And when the names are in, the community should have a right to hear what you can bring to the board.

It is not about politics. And, although we have the utmost respect for Thelma Smith, it is not what she would have wanted either. And it most certainly should not be an appointment interpreted through those "who knew her best."

It is about the children, the schools and the community -- and that is all.

That is a qualification that should rise above all other considerations.

Published in Editorials on April 15, 2014 11:49 AM