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In less than a week, Marietta City School residents will have the opportunity to vote for three new Board of Education candidates. If you attended the candidates' forum or have read the various stances from those interested in serving on the board, then you are aware that Cody Parman, Eric Reed, and Sam Tuten understand that students and teachers are more than just test scores or grades on a state report card.
Not to make excuses, but the truth is there are tremendous burdens that can hinder a student's academic success on a one-day assessment that measures whether he or she has attained mastery in a specific area.
Unless you are actually in the school system, it truly is difficult to grasp the external reasons why students are not particularly motivated to perform well in school.
From what I have discovered over the years, many of our students are tasked with added duties in their lives and school is not a priority.
Some of our older students are needed to provide care for their younger siblings while parents are at work, or others have after-school jobs to help supplement their family's income.
Unfortunately, there are even a few who must be the adult role model due to other issues, such as parental drug dependency, mental health issues, or other illnesses.
BOE candidates Parman, Reed, and Tuten possess the characteristics that our district needs for the welfare of our students.
All three have a genuine interest in serving our school district for a variety of reasons.
Parman and Reed both have children enrolled at Marietta and are parents who participate in their kids' academic and extracurricular activities. Tuten is the only Marietta native and a product of MCS. He understands the need for the BOE to work with community members to improve our school system.
They all radiate positivity and believe that goals can be accomplished when everyone works together.
All three desire communication, community involvement, and transparency among the board members and the stakeholders they will serve. Students and teachers need Parman, Reed, and Tuten.
Sally Latture
Marietta