During the recent school board election process I personally witnessed and other supporters were subjected to some very disturbing behavior. It is time for clarity and to emphasize that parents who have children in the school district voluntarily dedicated their time and efforts during the campaign leading up to the election. Elections for school board positions are nonpartisan and should focus on those issues that are most relevant to the children in the district.

The three new candidates — Patrice Tomcik, Michelle Obid and myself — are all mothers of young children, and we never expected to be shouted at, slandered or ridiculed, especially by anyone affiliated with the school district, for wanting to volunteer our time and get more involved in the district.

We understood our community and district to welcome diversity, not shun or scorn new ideas. We absolutely do not have any hidden agendas and have no intention of dividing the community (See “Cross-filing shows divide in Mars”, May 20, Page 8.)

We have talked to hundreds of parents and community members and were able to get their perspectives on the district. We continue our efforts promoting the health and safety of the children and expanding STEAM educational programming. We continue discussions about transparency between administration, staff, parents and the community. We are looking closely at the school budget alongside current extracurricular fees, miscellaneous student fees, parking fees and concession stand fees. We have creative ideas to support the needs of our amazing teachers and staff. We are examining counseling services and merit awards in the secondary level for college prep.

Dissecting these issues, along with many others, with a critical eye is a way to propel the school forward and never be satisfied with the status quo.

The results of the election have Tomcik and me moving on to campaign for seats on the school board in the November election. Over the next six months, we hope that everyone will join us and return focus on the children. We hope there will be cordial discourse and dissemination of truth.