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Letters to the Editor

No criteria for school board, just votes

In this file photo, Manatee County School Board members listen as the 2016-17 budget expenditures and revenues are presented during a workshop Monday at the School Support Center in Bradenton.
In this file photo, Manatee County School Board members listen as the 2016-17 budget expenditures and revenues are presented during a workshop Monday at the School Support Center in Bradenton. gjefferies@bradenton.com

It’s familiar cry. The teachers are seeking a higher salary and increase in benefits.

I want to point out that there is a vast difference in the criteria for teachers and a board member. Teachers have a college degree (mostly four years) and need to be certified and/or have a license. Board members hopefully need to be 18 years old and be a resident. The “resident” part was violated when a former member rented an apartment here but lived in another county. “Resident” means you reside or live there.

It is ironic that a system with small criteria (most votes) makes decisions for qualified teachers who are shaping the minds of our children and the future. I’m a former teacher, supervisor and principal. And yes, I see the rise in prices that we are all hit with.

Jane Gattuso

Palmetto

This story was originally published January 27, 2017 at 3:48 PM with the headline "No criteria for school board, just votes."

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