Schaffer, Middleton for state ed board

Published October 16, 2006 at midnight

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In January the State Board of Education will once again shrink to seven members, bringing to an end, we hope, a period of divisive and inconclusive 4-4 splits. While ultimately the legislature tells the board what to do, clear guidance from board members can shape legislation in productive ways.

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Incumbent Republican Bob Schaffer is our clear choice to continue to represent the 4th Congressional District. Schaffer, who was appointed to the board in December to fill a vacancy, represented the district in Congress from 1997 to 2003, and understands the increasing role the federal government plays in education, however much he may deplore it.

Schaffer is a strong supporter of charter schools, and more generally of parental choice in education. He thinks schools are burdened by too much bureaucracy and too many mandates, and believes the state board should work with the legislature to identify those that can be eliminated or streamlined so more money will reach the classroom. We're not sure how far he'll get, but it's a job worth tackling.

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In the 7th Congressional District, in a close call, we favor incumbent Democrat Karen Middleton, who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2004, over Republican challenger Lee Kunz. This election is for the final two years of the term.

Kunz is a strong candidate in his own right, a teacher and coach for many years who is an advocate for more parental choice, early education and higher and more specific state standards. He described himself as "a huge fan of Core Knowledge," a demanding curriculum that is popular with many parents.

There is, however, no compelling reason to dump Middleton, who also has a strong background in education.

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Incumbent Democrat Evie Hudak is unopposed in the 2nd Congressional District.

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