This year there are some very important items on the ballot and it is imperative that we make our voices heard.

The school override is once again up for approval. This will give our schools $5.25 million over seven years for text books, technology, computers and much more. Successful schools are great for business owners, property values and build our future leaders.

Our town has proudly supported this override for the last 15 years and, as shown on the ballot guide, there were no arguments placed against it. Voting yes for schools is an easy decision.

School Board positions are open, too. Karl Gaardsmoe; a local business owner, member of the Rotary, Business Alliance, and Youth Theater with 15 years of volunteer service to our schools under his belt is a clear choice.

His impressive financial planning background to numerous Fortune 500 companies combined with his drive to learn about the smallest details of every issue set him apart from the other candidates.

Wendy Barnhard, Ph.D is the other distinct choice. Her career, which includes, evaluator of educational programs, adjunct professor, and her current position at ASU for the last five years as an education researcher, provide her with the experience our district needs.

Her extensive knowledge in teacher accountability, teacher prep, teacher efficacy and grant writing is second to none.

Both of these candidates have children in our schools, their fingers on the pulse of the community and are the only candidates well versed in our state’s specific education laws and guidelines necessary for the School Board.

The choices to make when you mark your ballots are simple: Yes for schools, Yes for Karl and Yes for Wendy!