Next month’s school board election is critical for the future of quality education here. My vote in District 2 is Chris Carlson, who is the incumbent. Why? I’m voting for Chris Carlson, who is a cancer researcher and a dad of three, because has been persistent and committed to improving LWSD [Lake Washington School District] schools – from developing the STEM high school to overall improvements in math, science and tech instruction and more.

By voting for Chris Carlson for school board, I want Rob Tepper to make good on his promise to use his communication, advocacy and business skills to get the bond passed and improve schools for our kids.

Rob Tepper is right when he said that our communities need more communication about the bond levy. More needs to be done to rally everyone around great schools and great kids. LWSD has as many students as WSU, and is growing. State law demands that communities pay for school buildings and equipment through local donations or property taxes. We have more jobs and more houses, therefore, we have more kids. More kids means we need more schools.

However, if Rob Tepper were elected to the school board, he would be extremely limited in communicating about the bond levy. State law prohibits school board members from using their public office, school newsletters, websites, meetings or school facilities to promote or oppose a bond levy – or any voter measure. Board members are limited to simply answering questions or relaying information about district needs and bond impacts. Any bond advocacy has to be done as a private citizen and on private time.

These laws make it nearly impossible for school board members or district leaders to communicate enough with parents and the community on issues as vital as the bond.

Therefore, if you want Rob Tepper to pass the bond and build schools to relieve overcrowding, equip kids with technology and better accommodate special needs students, cast your vote for Chris Carlson for school board. With Carlson on the board and Tepper in the community, I think we have a winning combination.

Kendra Rosencrans, Kirkland