The State Education Department (SED), defines the mission of a school board member as protecting the interests of students and taxpayers. In fact, it recognizes that only a board composed of residents can adequately protect those interests and specifically prohibits school employees from serving on that board. Glen Cove School Board members must negotiate labor contracts with district employees, discipline and fire them, and grant tenure and promotions. That they do so in the name of students and taxpayers keep the system honest.

In contrast to the SED, the Coalition for Glen Cove, an organization of school district employees and some PTA members, believe that school district employees or those who would turn control over to them are ideal school board members. The coalition is endorsing two candidates for election this May. How can these candidates, Ms. Bates-Wilkins and Ms. McElrath, negotiate a new teacher's contract next year if teachers financially supported their campaigns? How can we be sure they won't give away the store during any employee contract negotiation? They are handpicked by the school employees in the Coalition for Glen Cove to protect their interests.

There are only two real candidates for Glen Cove School Board who can be counted on to protect the interests of students and taxpayers and who have the experience to do so. On May 15, vote for Rick Smith, a successful businessman and Dr. Kurt Schmeller, a retired college president.

Normand Brunelle