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Carr: Politics should be kept out of school system

Colby Carr

Published: November 1, 2009

Morganton, NC - For months, I have seen many adults in Burke County stand up against Tracy Norman and stand up for the SWAT team (Stroup, Wilkinson, Armour and Thomas).
As a current student, I believe that politics needs to be kept out of our school system in all ways, especially when it comes to policy making. This SWAT team that everyone seems to adore is nothing more than a political team with the same goal in mind — getting elected. When you see two incumbents who have to join a team in order to continue their job advising students' education, your first assumption should be that a team like this is already hinting to the public that they have an agenda prepared and in mind.
We have independents, such as Linda Minich, who I support, and James Stamey, who are working by themselves and have the necessary experience for the job, but they are being ignored due to the formation of this SWAT team.
There seems to be no effective or logical long-term plan coming from the SWAT team to fully recover and revive the board of education, except for the promise to get rid of Tracy Norman. I've e-mailed Catherine Thomas and asked her questions relating to the SACS CASI accreditation dilemma and other topics and the response I received was because my opinion was irrelevant to hers, her answering my questions would not really matter. This is also another flaw of a portion of the SWAT team members. They will not take the time to explain to me why they are the best persons for the district seat they are running for.
One problem that needs to be resolved is continuing rumors circulating through this county about school board members. Citizens have been misled about certain topics and, in turn, they decided to support the SWAT team based on rumors and ridiculous accusations.
Before SWAT tells me what is best for my education, I would like to tell them that politics is not best for me or any other student in Burke County.