Vote for Laird to reinvigorate schools
GRAND FORKS -- Must we wait four more years for the retirement of the current superintendent of public instruction, Wayne Sanstead, to see the change in educational leadership our state so desperately needs?
And when he finally decides to step down, will there be a candidate as capable and ready as Max Laird?
I'm not sure we should take that risk. After six terms in office, it's time for a change. Laird offers a fresh outlook and deep experience gathered from his 27 years in the classroom.
Laird has the energy, drive and enthusiasm to advance new ideas -- innovation that'll bring North Dakota forward into the 21st century.
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In the mere 14 years I've been teaching, I've seen profound changes in education. Laird understands those changes because he works with students and teachers daily. He is able to recognize the unique problems schools in our state face and the increasingly varied needs of students.
It's one thing to implement federal mandates such as No Child Left Behind. It is quite another to be on the receiving end, seeing the problems it presents. Max understands both perspectives.
I teach with Laird and have had the chance to witness how he can challenge an idea the rest of us fail to question and then lead us through a discussion that brings forth new ideas, out-of-the-box ideas, that make us better for it.
Sanstead has failed in his goal to make North Dakota schools "the envy of the nation." We're losing many of our best teachers to other states' more competitive wages. We see quality teachers opting for early retirement because the current educational mandates, which do little to serve students, sap their passion for teaching. And we have "failing schools," schools that need both financial support and new approaches so they have a chance for success.
Sanstead says he's committed to making the changes we need, but in six terms he has failed, time and again. What will change now?
With Laird in office, we have a chance at fulfilling that goal. Laird is the clear choice on Nov. 4.
Carmyn Juntunen
