Elections for school board candidates often receive too little attention, but they are among the most important offices on our ballots.

Homeowners know that good schools are a top factor in increasing property values. Employers know that having good schools increases their chances of finding qualified employees. Chambers of commerce know that good schools help to attract quality jobs to the community. Taxpayers and voters know that decisions of the school board in approving the district budget impact the quality of our schools.

Durango 9-R is proud that it continues to maintain class sizes below the state average and below other districts of its size, providing a better student-to-teacher ratio and allowing for greater individualized learning based on each student’s strengths and needs. While DHS has an impressive graduation rate of 92.3%, we can do even better. Durango 9-R’s goal is to provide learning opportunities where students can develop their critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills.

The candidates running in this year’s school board election who are best qualified to meet the challenges facing our schools today are Erika Brown, Rick Petersen and Andrea Parmenter. These are the candidates endorsed by the associations representing Durango’s teachers and support professionals, those who really know best.

I urge you to vote for them in this year’s election. Please visit their websites to learn more about why they are the best choices for our schools: ErikaforDurango9R.com; Rickfor9R.com, AndreaforDurango9R.com, and please take the time to return your mail-in ballot in this important election.

Debbie Meyers

Durango