Term Paper

[Here is the text of my “TERM PAPER” article that The South Bend Tribune has permitted each candidate to write and publish. The deadline to submit this was October 2, and mine was submitted on time. The Tribune said that these would be published in the order submitted. In case you don’t subscribe or otherwise read The Tribune, or may miss my article, here is what I submitted . . .]

Thanks to the Tribune for this opportunity to "meet" you. However, if I can get my "campaign flyer" to you, or answer any questions, feel free to leave a message at 234-3270. Address email to: ebella2069@go.com.

The question I am asked most often is: "Why are you running?"

A public school board trustee has the chance to directly influence the future of our city, county and state, more than ANY other public official. School board members are charged with and MUST fulfill the mission to guide the formal education of the children of its' community; however, without the guidance and support of the parents on the "informal" level, the job of our professional educators is only that much harder. My answer is simply this: I want to work with parents, teachers, and YOUR public school board as a trustee, to do what is best for the CHILDREN!

Four years ago, I was a candidate for an at-large seat. Anyone eligible to vote for the South Bend school board can (and I hope will) vote for me! (Remember: I don't want ALL the votes, just yours and the ones you influence!) I am the ONLY candidate to return this year, other than the incumbents. I think that speaks volumes of my commitment to work toward making this the best school corporation possible.

In 10, 20, or even 40 years after they graduate from high school, I want our students to proudly recall their public school education in South Bend. An old-fashioned concept to many perhaps, but a concept in which I firmly believe.

During that previous campaign, I met with Tribune editors James Wensits and Gayle Dantzler. One of the issues I sought to address was the busing of city school students. I am not now, nor have I EVER been, against racial desegregation in our schools. Both editors almost simultaneously said, "You can't challenge the federal court mandate!" And my reply was "Why not?" This year, the Tribune has called for a revisiting of busing of students in the city on at least two separate occasions! I still strongly support that; we spend almost $12 million a year on transportation.

With redistricting near the top of almost every candidates' "To Do" list, perhaps we can get back to the concept of neighborhood schools, and not continue to subject our children to lengthy, tiring and expensive bus rides.