John Carroll is best choice for Marin superintendent

I am writing in support of John Carroll for superintendent of Marin County schools. I have worked with Carroll as a teacher for six years and have found him to be supportive of innovation both inside and outside the classroom.

However, that is not why I am writing. I am writing as the parent of a child with severe special needs. What many people don't understand is that, in addition to the oversight and support that the county provides to individual districts, it provides a special education program for students across the county.

When my daughter was younger, the county program wasn't at all good enough. I found myself facing the choice of suing my small under-resourced district or pushing the Marin Office of Education to do better. I chose the latter. Carroll was there every step of the way. He even attended her first day of school orientation to confirm that the changes that were necessary had been made.

More recently, she has had incredible teachers and staff. I feel grateful for where she is now and for the enormous effort it took on the parts of many.

Marin County needs leadership that understands special education and recognizes that we should aim high for all our students. I am confident that Carroll has seen and understood the issues facing our most vulnerable kids and has worked toward solutions. I believe this is only the beginning.

— Katherine Sanford, Woodacre