Dear Neighbor,

Every day in the high school where I teach, I see teenagers who are thriving, happy and engaged with school, community and their families. These kids are connected; they have a compass in their lives. But I also see the many young people we are losing, and it troubles me greatly.

Our public schools are regulated by rules that too often reflect a disconnect between the State Board and the children it is supposed to be serving. I am running for the State Board of Education, District 10 because I believe our children deserve better. As adults, we have a responsibility to speak on their behalf. After 26 years as a public school classroom teacher and educational administrator, I believe in:

• Relevance & rigor in curriculum;
• Local control & accountability;
• Listening to all stakeholders;
• Options for students, including an expansion of the 4X4; and
• Developing a common vision for education in Texas.

As I travel across our 16 county district before the primary election on March 2, 2010, I look forward to meeting you and listening to your concerns. In the meantime, please use the Take Action! area of the web page, located to your right, to stay in touch and get involved.

If we all take action, we can give voice to the needs of each child. In turn, our children will be prepared to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and our country will remain strong.

Rebecca Osborne