Facebook slams cloud this Richland School Board race. The Herald has this to say about it
The Richland School Board race between Liz Vann-Clark and Semi Bird unfortunately has been pocked by social media attacks that have caused distress on both sides.
It is a shame that during our interview with these two highly capable candidates that so much of our discussion centered on the political rancor generated by their passionate supporters.
While it was necessary for us to air out why Bird blocked certain comments on his website, as well as confirm that Vann-Clark has nothing to do with blog posts against him, it would have been more meaningful for voters to hear more about where they stand on the issues.
Even so, Vann-Clark and Bird were cordial to each other and they share many of the same goals. We encourage readers who want to know more about claims swirling around in this race to watch The Herald’s interview video online.
Both candidates have the students’ best interest in mind. What sets them apart are priorities and their methods. On this point, we recommend Vann-Clark.
She is a former math teacher who remembers having to use a textbook that was too old to meet student needs. At the time, Vann-Clark was in the Pasco School District and took it upon herself to join the district curriculum committees.
She also started taking a look at the assessment process because she wanted to know why Tri-City math scores were low. Then Vann-Clark took it further and ended up working at the state level in order to help make changes in curriculum from the top.
The Tri-Cities is full of phenomenal teachers, but few would go to the lengths Vann-Clark did to help students.
On her website, she said, “I’m very familiar with educational law, especially where it concerns Washington State graduation requirements. I’m an advocate for curriculum and educational plans that respect individual student development and our diverse community. I am against mandated state testing, as they are not designed with respect to children’s development, they unfairly label children as ‘failures,’ aren’t valuable data for educators, they take from educational time, and are unfunded mandates.”
She also said her top priorities are improving special education in the district and promoting vocational training. She is on the Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA and she has reached out to a number of trade schools to encourage school visits — much like the college visits that happen at the high schools every year.
Vann-Clark strikes us as someone who isn’t afraid to dig for answers no matter how long it takes.
Bird also is a tenacious individual. He is extremely accomplished, from his military background to his work at the Department of Energy in training and development. He now runs a consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational improvement.
In addition, he has experience writing professional development curriculum, has volunteered for the Junior Achievement program and the Washington State Migrant Council.
Bird wants to help set a mission for the school board to determine where the school district wants to go and then create a strategy to get there.
He said he understands that the school board’s only employee is the superintendent, but noted that much of the agenda items have to do with personnel issues. He said he is uniquely qualified to deal with that and would like to create evaluation criteria for certified and non-certified staff.
Both Bird and Vann-Clark said the communication from district leaders to parents is in great need of improvement.
Bird said people have lost faith in the school district and he speaks for those parents. He explained in our interview why he pulled his daughter out of the Richland School District and enrolled her in a Tri-City private school. It had to do with an interaction with a Richland school teacher and principal and we, again, encourage people to watch our video to see Bird’s explanation.
While parents must do what’s best for their own child, we imagine that some Richland citizens will find it off-putting to have a school board member making decisions that affect other people’s children but not his own.
Vann-Clark has children who just graduated from Richland schools and she has others who will be enrolling soon.
Both candidates are clearly smart, ambitious and hard working. While Bird talks of plans, Vann-Clark wants to dive into the trenches.
Her hands-on approach appeals to us.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Liz Vann-Clark for Richland School Board, Director No.3.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 17, 2021 at 5:00 AM.