published: Sunday, July 22, 2012

Education makes the difference

Editor:

We are truly blessed in Highlands County to have the number of citizens who are willing to run for an elected office. The school board race for the District 3 seat is one of these races that will be decided by the votes cast on the Aug. 14 Primary.

Both candidates are fine individuals and strong women. One candidate stands apart from the other due to her education credentials and educational experience.

As we vote to elect individuals to the school board or the county commission it is important to remember to keep a balance of representation on these boards or commissions. By balance I am looking at the constituents that are represented by its members and the business that is conducted by the board or commission.

Dr. Mary Ann Lewis will bring this balance to The School Board of Highlands County (SBHC) through her commitment to education, children and the community.

Dr. Mary Ann Lewis will bring this balance to The School Board of Highlands County (SBHC) through her commitment to education, children and the community.

Currently there is only one educator sitting on the SBHC. This is a board with a single focus, education.

Dr. Lewis's commitment to education is evidenced by the degrees that she has earned including a doctorate from the University of Miami and the years of experience as a teacher and administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Because of her love of teaching she continues to teach as an adjunct instructor at South Florida State College where she teaches the Master Student Class at the Lake Placid Campus. Through this position she can tell you exactly how prepared the graduates of Highlands County schools are for higher education.

Dr. Lewis has a vested interest in our local school district. MaryAnn has two grandchildren enrolled in the school district, one at the elementary and one at the middle school; plus her daughter was recently hired as a teacher at the elementary level.

Dr. Lewis' commitment to children and our community is demonstrated by her participation in the community. She mentors with Take Stock in Children, she sits on the Children's Services Board, and she is a Guardian ad-Litem assigned by the court to provide a voice for abused or neglected children.

As you go to the polls to vote, select the candidate that will have the shortest learning curve. Vote to elect the candidate that will be able to immediately be a contributing member of the school board. Vote to elect the candidate that will put our children first. Vote for MaryAnn Lewis Ed.D.

Olivia Scott