To the Editor:

First of all, I want to say that it is very encouraging to see so many candidates running for election to the school board. It is important for the voters to have choices.

I would encourage you to become familiar with the backgrounds of the candidates and their positions on education-related issues. Board actions, or in some cases inactions, make a difference in the kind and quality of education that our children receive.

The purpose of this letter to the editor is to share with you some of my thoughts regarding one of the candidates. It is my personal opinion that Trudy Madetzke would do an outstanding job as a member of the Marshall School Board.

My husband and I have known Trudy for over thirty years. She was a pre-school teacher for both of our two children. For many years as a teacher, Trudy has demonstrated her care and concern for the well-being of students. She knows which educational practices and theories work and which ones will do harm to our students.

Trudy realizes and appreciates the vital role that parents can and should play in the education of their own children. She believes that the role of teachers is to help educate, not indoctrinate, our children. Trudy also believes that it is important for parents to be adequately informed of material being presented in the classrooms that might be considered controversial. Trudy has strong personal convictions and will not be afraid to ask tough questions.

Knowing Trudy as I do, I am confident that she will do her very best to be thoroughly prepared and informed before each and every school board meeting. As a fiscal conservative, she will work hard to make sure taxpayer money is not wasted. I strongly encourage you to consider voting for Trudy Madetzke for school board.

Carolyn Bayerkohler

Marshall