Urgent Call to Action: A Vision for the Del Norte School Board

School has started. The buses are running, clubs and teams are actively recruiting new members, and the high school hallways are settling into a familiar rhythm. Students' phones are put away and quiet during class time. While most students are glad to be back in school to see their friends and are looking forward to making new ones, teachers, staff, students, and administrators are working hard to smooth out the crinkles in their schedules and lesson plans. Yet, like clockwork, the complaints have already started—many coming from the very same families who complain year after year. Some parents think it is great to have the teachers back in charge of their children, perhaps not fully realizing that it is ultimately their own job to teach their children how to behave and come to school ready to learn. To those who complain about Del Norte schools, I challenge you: it is time to step up to the plate and help find solutions instead of causing more problems. We face an immediate crisis of participation, and we need citizens who are willing to act now. One crucial way the public can help is right inside the Registrar of Voters office at the Flynn Center. If you want to know how to save and support our schools and students, you must look at who is running to fill the vacant seats on our school board.

The reality is alarming: we faced a very real possibility that no one would run for the school board against the current members. When longtime board member Don McArthur had to leave the board early due to health issues, his District 1 seat was opened for an appointment. Not a single person applied.

Now, looking ahead to the critical November election, three seats are up: Districts 1, 2, and 5. Unbelievably, District 1 has no one running to represent it. In District 2, Abbie Crist is the only candidate running, which is great because she is a superb board member. But in District 5, Mike Greer is ineligible to run because he is running for the State Assembly. Two people have put in papers for the position. Would anyone pull papers to run against him otherwise? Who knows.

Serving as a school board member for the last twenty years, both in Del Norte County and with Paradise USD has been an awarding endeavor. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last four years working with a school board that could put aside political differences and, once a decision was reached, work together to achieve the desired results.

When I decided at the last moment to run for the Assembly, I went searching for someone to run for my seat. I announced my decision at a family event at, the O’Me’Nok Learning Center in Klamath. Ultimately, a man of great integrity, respect, wisdom, and a deep love for our students, stepped forward. His name is Ron Bates

I am fully supporting Ron Bates for the District 5 school board position.

I believe Ron Bates has the vision and determination required to carry out the mission of helping all students in Del Norte County increase their academic abilities. I believe he will be able to continue the strong relationships with other board members that have made this board so highly responsive to our community, students, and employees.

I am urgently asking voters in District 5, which covers the area from the south side of Parkway Drive to the southern county line, including the Bertch Tract and Klamath to learn more about Ron Bates.

It is incredibly difficult to envision a life without being a school board member, but I can step away in peace knowing that a man of Ron Bates' stature will be taking my place in November. Our children's future cannot wait. Learn about the candidates, get involved, and let's secure the leadership our schools need.