Less than 24 hours until the polls open!!! I want to thank each of my supporters and entire team for staying positive and remaining true to our message. After the negative press from the other School Board race last week, my opponent decided to continue his own negative campaigning through a letter to the editor at FT. Negativity is exactly what we dont need more of in Viera! Our kids, teachers and community deserve positive leadership and a Board that leads by example. Here is a copy of the letter I submitted to FT over the weekend. It wasnt published, but I hope it reinforces my commitment to finding solutions rather than pointing fingers!! After a week of negative press about the School Board race in District 5, I was disappointed to read a letter from my opponent in the District 2 race that focused on more negative campaign tactics rather than proactive solutions for the many issues facing our schools. So let’s focus on the positive before this election: Brevard Public Schools continue to lead the state in academics, music, art, sports, vocational training and multiple other areas; our students are successful because of the tireless work of fantastic teachers and school administrators; we have involved parents who consistently give time and resources to the classroom; and our student support staffs in the offices, cafeterias, buses, ESE programs and other critical areas continue to provide outstanding service for our District. My 11 and 13 year old have flourished at Gardendale, Tropical and Jefferson. Our schools do face serious issues. I have consistently laid out specific plans that address fiscal solvency, transparency to the community and renewed respect for our teachers, administrators and staff. BPS needs strong and focused leadership to find manageable solutions for critical problems such as unfunded state mandates, oppressive testing requirements, and teacher planning time. I look forward to working with fellow School Board members, teachers, administration and the community to aggressively attack these issues with strategic thinking and tangible results. At 17, I left Chicago for the United States Naval Academy and had no idea how long I would serve or where I would eventually settle. I’m now at 27 years and counting of proud service to our Navy and feel blessed to call Brevard County our family home for the past 10 years. We moved to Brevard because of Brevard schools. I’m committed to ensuring all Brevard students are given the absolute best chance to succeed at all levels and our schools remain a recruitment tool for new residents and great teachers. Our schools educate the future of Brevard and our kids deserve positive leadership! John Craig District 2 School Board Candidate Merritt Island
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 13:25:36 +0000