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(Online only) Thorpe: SWAT is the logical choice

Heather Burleson Thorpe

Published: November 1, 2009

Updated: 11/02/2009 06:00 am

Morganton, NC - Sometimes change is necessary and beneficial. It humbles us, teaches us to grow, and to adapt to new situations. My father, David Burleson, has happily embraced his new occupational opportunity, moving on to new challenges and a new group of students and faculty for which he strives every day to create an atmosphere of respect, understanding, innovation and creativity.
However, the people and students of Burke County have not been afforded the opportunity for positive change, or to move on. The schools are still subject to the tyranny of a five-person majority placed in office during an election where turnout was low and lies, half-truths and misinformation abounded.
As a product of Burke County Public Schools, I acknowledge that imperfections existed before this board majority took power. However, I also emphasize that these imperfections were vastly overshadowed by positives: wonderful teachers, respected administrators and an overall understanding that, at its core, the administration and school board were always on our (the students') side.
While I embrace and advocate every voter's right to support whomever they choose, I do not believe that the current majority promotes a healthy learning environment. Therefore, I (and my family) endorse and support the candidates for school board who we believe will bring much-needed change through the well-reasoned, sound and logical goals laid out in their joint prospectus. They are Sam Wilkinson, Buddy Armour, Susan Stroup and Catherine Thomas -- the group otherwise known as SWAT. Each of these individuals has the ability to bring something unique and beneficial to the board -- Mrs. Stroup's compassion and experience as a former school counselor and principal, Mr. Armour's business savvy, Mr. Wilkinson's insight as a former coach and teacher and Mrs. Thomas' legal knowledge as a licensed attorney. While not claiming to be perfect, each of the candidates provides the best opportunity out of all the candidates running to bring a change in meeting tactics, heightened fiscal responsibility, a plan and procedure for regaining accreditation and, above all, a restoration of a system where teachers, staff and students feel valued and respected for their talents and abilities.
Vote SWAT, not because I or anyone else says so, but because it is your right and because they are the informed and logical choice for bringing the system back to a standard of which we can be proud.