Lakewood School Board Fails Community

Dear Lakewood School Board,

I want to begin by thanking Mr. Matthew Markling for calling on the rest of the School Board to keep the Phase III process open, honest and transparent by urging a second reading and public discussion among the board. I also want to make it clear that my words are not directed at Mr. Matthew Markling, who showed he has the integrity that his colleagues on the Board lack.

As for the rest of the Board Members, Ms. Betsy Shaughnessy, Ms. Linda Beebe, Mr. John Kamkutis and Mr. Edward Favre, I want to express my deepest dissatisfaction at your unwillingness to provide an open, honest and public discussion regarding the decision to close Grant school.

The information regarding the issue on the School Board website is at best a feeble attempt at communication. One is left to wonder whether the information represents a deliberate effort to deceive the public about your true plans. While I would rather attribute it to incompetence or neglect of duty, sadly, it seems more like a deliberate effort to deceive.

I am disgusted that the hard work of citizen volunteers to research, collect and present data regarding the distribution of school age populations in Lakewood was discarded. You have failed the community.

Do not count on my support for any future school construction bond issues while you are in charge, as I can no longer trust the process to be fair, open and democratic. I will actively campaign to defeat any such bond measures while you hold office and I will vote against your candidacy in any and all future elections, regardless of office. I will urge my neighbors to do the same.

Sincerely,

Jeff Sutliff

Parent of Four Children

Read More on Letters To The Editor
Volume 6, Issue 4, Posted 8:31 AM, 02.24.2010