Candidates running for Jefferson City's school board seem genuinely interested in bettering the district, some stating their desire to improve transparency and trust, among other things.
Six of the seven candidates attended a public forum last week. When asked about their main priority, if elected, several stated their desire to address a lack of trust and transparency in the district - between teachers and administration and the board and the community - on issues ranging from promises to address overcrowding at East Elementary School, teacher grievance policies, and public access to board meetings and information.
That's encouraging.
The public has criticized the district in the past for both trust and transparency, among other things. Superintendent Larry Linthacum has worked hard to improve the district and its image since taking on the job two years ago.
He's not afraid to dive into prickly situations - and we don't just mean figuratively. When a school bus containing students was caught in the crossfire at a shooting scene, Linthacum was one of the first school officials on the scene. He not only reassured the students after their bus took on gunfire, he rode with them for the remainder of the trip.
It will take unified leadership from Linthacum, the school board and other school officials to continue improving the district, and to show their commitment to issues such as trust and transparency.
We commend the organizers - Cole County Democrats, Capitol Women's Political Caucus and the local branch of the American Association of University Women - for holding the event. In April, city residents will have the opportunity to pick among seven candidates for three seats. Events like these help voters determine who will be the best choices.