The abrupt resignation of Deborah Barnett presents an opportunity for the Board to do the right thing.
Deborah Barnett's seat isone of the seats up for election this November. I believe the best course of action for the remaining board members to take would be to appoint a person temporarily to fill the balance of Ms. Barnett’s term.
The current Board has suffered from a lack of leadership because it has been
more of a personal and political stepping-stone than a place with individuals who have at heart the best interest of the community, the parents who choose to send their children to the district and the children.
Given the most recent difficulties and the perception of the community, it would be in the best interest of the Toledo Public Schools and the community to appoint a person who DOES NOT intend to run for the seat in November. And that includes me and any other current or potential candidates.
I, and others, have announced our candidacies for this position. The current board, as a body, should not take sides in this upcoming election by giving one of us the advantage of incumbency. I urge them to seek out an individual who would be willing to serve until the end of the year, when duly elected board members can take their seats.
But....
Nothing preventing an appointed individual from deciding to run in November after already being seated. Thus the advantage of incumbency would still exist. Maybe you should not be to hasten to turn down the seat if you are offered it.