Your schools, your choice

I have always been confused by the dismal turnout at school board elections. So much of our local property-tax bills goes to fund our schools. We pay more for schools than any other local service, and yet, with all of that money coming out of our collective pockets, we abdicate our right and responsibility to select the people who will run our schools, and I can’t understand why that is.

Charlotte King

Typically, fewer than a quarter of all eligible voters will vote in school board elections. Elections are how we hold our schools accountable to the taxpayers: why aren’t we interested in doing that?

Whenever there is very low turnout, the people who get elected are the ones supported by the organization they are elected to govern — those with a vested interest in how things are run, which may or may not be in the public interest.

School board elections should not just serve the interests of parents, teachers and administrators. Even if you do not have a student in the public school system, you still have a stake in ensuring your local schools are serving its students well.

They are your schools, and you have a choice as to how efficiently and effectively they are operating. Voice your choice at the polls — get out and vote May 12.

To vote in school board elections, a person must be a resident in the school district holding the election and be at least 18 years of age. Advance registration is not necessary. You may vote by absentee ballot if you cannot be present on Election Day. Contact your county Department of Elections for information.

Editor’s note: Charlotte King is president of the League of Women Voters of Delaware and may be reached at 645-7074 or charlottefking@aol.com.