If you didn’t love children in this job, you’d soon lose enthusiasm for what you do.

• It’s going to the schools and seeing the children learn and play;
• It’s seeing student outcomes improve;
• It’s keeping more kids in school;
• It’s finding more viable choices that help meet student needs;
• It’s improving student safety;
• It’s helping to create education for a life worth living that makes the tough parts of this job bearable.

But children are only part of the story. Star Wars producer George Lucas said this: Apart from my parents, my teachers have done the most to shape my life. From kindergarten through college, their struggle -- and it was a struggle -- to help me grow and learn was not in vain.

Teachers are our mission-deliverers in the school system, and must be given every opportunity to grow professionally, and to be motivated to keep doing their very demanding jobs well.

Finally, trustees must understand that we are running a huge $155 million dollar operation. They must know the difference between governing and administrating, between leading and micro-managing. The school board’s record has not always been good in this area.

I know how to listen and I know how to lead. Please entrust me with your children for a tenth time. I won’t let you down.