I attended the recent school board meeting where the board members terminated the employment of teacher Pam Aister. It was an eye-opening experience. With the exception of Dr. C.T. Wright, I was not impressed with the members of our school board. One member, in particular, came across as a babbling font of colossal ignorance. That would be freshmen member Karl Gaardsmoe.

He stuttered on for an eternity simply quoting the findings of the hearing officer without making any actual point. It was embarrassing to watch him search in vain for a conclusion. So I looked into his background. He does not have a degree in education. He does not have experience as a teacher. He does not have experience as a school administrator. In short, he has no real qualifications for being on the school board. And he voted to terminate a great teacher.

That action now endangers the school bond vote. His credentials can be summarized as follows: stumbling, unqualified and destructive. He must not be reelected. I would recommend that voters look at any of the other candidates instead. I have met two of the other candidates, Edith Stock and Bob Gomez. Both of them have impressive credentials. Edith has a master’s degree in school administration and over 20 years of experience. Bob has 40 years in education serving as a teacher, high school principal, assistant superintendent and as a superintendent of schools.

These two candidates are incredibly qualified to serve on the Fountain Hills School Board. Please consider voting for them. But, whatever you decide, do NOT vote for Mr. Gaardsmoe. He has no more credentials for being on our school board than does an orange juice can.