Support Carroll for county superintendent of schools

As a member of the Lagunitas School District Board of

Trustees, I think the qualities of a good educator are clear. They include sound communication and relationship skills.

Strong teaching and effective communication requires a second component, respect. Students learn better when they respect the adults in their schools and, just as important, when they feel respected. The partnership between our schools, our students and their families is what makes outstanding education possible.

After 16 years as a district trustee, John Carroll is one of the very best administrators I have worked with. With broad experience, beginning as a teacher, he understands the need for effective communication and genuine respect. He uses those skills to work with teachers and staff to further the goal of educating all of our children to the best of their potential. He sets high goals for the behavior of our kids and he helps them achieve those goals.

Carroll's opponent, Michele Crncich Hodge, was accused of alienating fellow board members (“Mill Valley schools trustee accused of calling colleagues `idiots',” Jan. 29). Crncich Hodge said she does not recall doing so. Regardless, this perception does not build respect among peers and it does not lead to an effective teaching environment. It speaks volumes that the people working directly with Carroll's opponent have all endorsed Carroll. It speaks volumes that all of the district superintendents in Marin County have endorsed Carroll.

Schools across California face ever-increasing challenges. John Carroll can build the coalitions needed to face those challenges and continue to reach out to every student in our county as the superintendent of schools for Marin.