Editor:

The Berlin Elementary School Board of Directors is seeking candidates to fill three vacant positions in 2014. Four months ago I volunteered to fill a position that was vacated by a long serving board member that chose not to finish her term. In those four months, I have been amazed at the wealth of knowledge and understanding I have gained about how the school works, how the budget process is handled and exactly how many challenges school staff and administration face in their effort to educate the children of Berlin.

As of right now, there are only two board members in office or running for office of the potential five member board. The Board has just been made aware that if Berlin is unable to find at least one more board member, no board meetings will be held and the staff and administration will go without direct official community guidance or representative oversight.

There are two possible ways of entering your name into consideration for board membership. You can get a petition from the Berlin Town Clerk and get 19 registered Berlin voters to sign it by late January to get on the March Town Meeting Day ballot, or submit a letter of interest to the Berlin Elementary School Board care of Principal Chris Dodge or Superintendant Bill Kimball.

I am challenging other Berlin community members to step up and volunteer to serve on one of the most vital boards within any community, the school board. Our children need and deserve involved, informed and passionate board members to represent their interests and ensure that they get the highest quality education possible in a safe and secure school environment.

Please consider serving!

Carl Parton

Berlin School Board Member