During 25 years on the Vancouver Public Schools board, Dale Rice has helped shepherd vast advancements and improvements throughout the district. Yet he remains convincing when he says his job is not finished.
Because of that, The Columbian recommends a vote for Rice in his race against Heather Lindberg for Position 1 on the school board.
As always, this is merely a recommendation. We urge voters to examine the candidates and explore the issues before casting their ballot. To assist with that process, we direct you to a video of the Editorial Board’s interview with the candidates.
Like many school districts, Vancouver has been faced with budget crunches and the problems that come with growing poverty among the populace. The board has effectively managed these speed bumps, maintaining a highly regarded district that works to educate students of varying skills and varying backgrounds. As Rice points out, last year 78 percent of 10th graders in Vancouver schools met or exceeded state standards for reading, and the on-time graduation rate has grown from 64 percent in 2010 to 73 percent in 2013. “Poverty doesn’t make you stupid,” Rice said, “it makes it hard to get smart.” Vancouver also has embraced new technology, including the establishment of iTech Preparatory, a magnet school for students focusing on STEM programs (science, technology, engineering, and math). ITech opened in 2012, and Rice says it “could revolutionize education because it’s project-based instead of book-based.”
Two caveats are worth noting. One is that a single board member does not deserve all the credit nor all the blame for what happens in a district. Yet Rice remains a forward-thinker who has helped to navigate an increasingly difficult educational landscape.
The second caveat is that the Vancouver Public Schools board has not been devoid of problems. The board has faced criticism for approving a $4,000 expenditure to place a personal shower in the office of Superintendent Steven Webb; for holding a public meeting at a private residence with scant public notice; and for a recent contentious budgeting process that nearly delayed the start of the school year. The shower and the meeting remain difficult to explain; the budgeting process was hampered by a temporary opening on the board that left only four sitting members and resulted in a 2-2 deadlock.
Lindberg, a school volunteer and president of the Vancouver Council PTA, points to these shortcomings as representing the need for change on the board. She focuses upon a desire for improved community engagement and increased transparency from the board, saying: “I question the emphasis we’re placing on certain things. I don’t think winning awards based upon our technology is enough of a reason to be proud.”
We think it is reason for pride in Vancouver schools, while acknowledging that the board can improve the manner in which it functions. But the more important question is about who is better equipped to help Vancouver Public Schools move toward the future. Among Rice’s additional attributes is his financial experience in running an investment company. With many Vancouver schools in need of renovation and maintenance — along with ongoing questions about how the state will fund public education — wise stewardship of tax dollars is an important function of the school board.
When all those factors are taken into consideration, Dale Rice is the best choice for Vancouver School Board Position 1.
