To the Editor:
I am running for one of three at-large seats on the Fairfax County School Board. Let me tell you why I am the best person for this job.
I have three sons who attended and graduated from Fairfax County Public Schools, and I have been an advocate for children and public education for 16 years. As a PTA leader for the last 10 years on the local, district and state levels, I have lobbied at all levels for resources and policy to improve our schools. I have trained parents from all over Fairfax County to be effective leaders and advocates for their children. I am the state representative to the Virginia High School League executive committee; the PTA representative to "Partners Against Hate," a coalition of organizations that work with communities to prevent hate crime; and the vice chair of the superintendent's Community Advisory Council. I was named Lady Fairfax 2002 in recognition for my work in the community and PTA. I have a proven record and a long history of dedication and commitment to public education.
There are many important issues on the table: smaller class sizes, increased teacher compensation, funding effective programs. All of the candidates are making promises about these issues, and they are important to me, too. What sets me apart from my opponents is that I believe in choices that challenge students. We must offer a broad curriculum at every level to address the needs of all students. We have students who come to school with many different levels of readiness and many different learning styles. My opponents would have you believe that there is only one right way to teach reading to all children. Research and common sense tell us otherwise. We need to provide teachers with the tools to address the variety of needs within their classroom. A "one size fits all" approach will not work for 167,000 students. Libraries must contain a diverse selection of materials that address the interests and needs of students at many levels to enrich the learning environment. Art, music, athletics and theater must be available to students to spark their creativity and broaden their experiences. My opponents are focusing on "back to basics." I don't believe we should go back to anything. We must focus on the future and move forward with programs that start with the basics but then go beyond that to prepare our students to be productive citizens of the 21st century.
With five current Board members retiring or moving on to other endeavors, we know that this election will bring change to the School Board. It is imperative that we elect School Board members who truly value public education and recognize the strengths of Fairfax County Public Schools. I am the candidate who will pledge to keep our schools strong and work for all of the children of Fairfax County. I need your vote on Nov. 4.
Lynn Terhar
Candidate at large
Fairfax County School Board