As the Richmond Free Press states, there are nine seats up for grabs on the Richmond School Board. It seems to me that we need better guidance and direction on how to steer our youth into the future.

Having schools with mold, no matter how small, is not acceptable to me. Having buildings for our youth that are not conducive for learning does not provide for a great outcome. If training requirements are set up for the board to accomplish, why do we not meet these objectives instead of bucking it? Our schools can only be as good as our leaders, and we need to provide visionary support for our youth as well as teachers.

I worked with youth for over 30 years in the city, so I feel that I have some knowledge on this subject. What I have seen from many, but not all, of the School Board members has a lot to be desired. I am very disappointed at the lack of leadership and progress the board has made during their tenure in office.

It is definitely time for a change in how we do things on the School Board and start thinking outside the box.

Sometimes having fresh opinions is a good thing when overseeing this type of entity. Reading the Free Press, it seems as if we have some capable new faces that are entering the race who are capable of taking the bull by the horns and running with it if given an opportunity. 

Time will only tell how well they will do if given a chance. Many can speak a good game, but not deliver when given an opportunity, which is called disappointment. 

Voters, let’s be prudent and make every vote count on who we feel will best serve our interest when dealing with our school-age kids.

Ernest Parker Jr.

Former interim superintendent at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center

Richmond