To the editor:

I am writing to voice my strong support for the re-election of Mike Spence for Bainbridge Island School Board. It was my honor to serve on the school board from 1995 through 2007, and I assure your readers that Mike has done a great job.

Over the decades, the Bainbridge public schools have been consistently rated among the best schools in the state. Unlike some of our public institutions, our schools work – very well. Improvements are always possible, but don’t let the few angry critics convince you that the system is broken. It isn’t.

Our schools work because we have great kids and families, talented and committed teachers, and professional administrators. As Mike knows, the role of the school board is to provide high level policy guidance and budgetary oversight – and then to get out of the way and let the professional educators do what they do best.

Mike’s opponent would have you believe that our schools need to be “fixed.” But the last thing we need is a school director with a personal agenda who will micromanage the workings of this great institution. Please cast your vote for Mike Spence, who has demonstrated the steady hand of leadership over the last four years. Thank you.

BRUCE P. WEILAND

Bainbridge Island