We are so disappointed in our current school board.
We understand this is a volunteer position, but if you don’t have the time to commit to it, let someone else who does, step in.
During this past April 9 Federal Way School Board meeting, when asked by board director Angela Griffin for a legislative update, board director Ed Barney replied, “I wish I actually had something to report. Sally McLean (school district CFO) probably knows more about the budgets than I do. I haven’t had a chance to review them myself. I’ve been too busy at work. I’m sure you’ll have information when you do your reports. I’m going to leave it all to Sally. That’s all I have.”
This year, Mr. Barney and other board members have had plenty of time for world travels on school district dollars — first to Asia and Australia, and then more recently to Europe. These trips took a lot of time.
Why would someone in an elected position say he doesn’t have time for that position? It seems he has the time for the perks, but not the time for the work. Volunteering is to serve, not take advantage.
If Mr. Barney is too busy to do the work of the job, why is he running for re-election? Maybe he would like some more world travels on our children’s dollars?
In today’s day and age, there is nothing that plays more of a role in public education than the “goings on” in Olympia. Knowing what decisions are being made in Olympia is vital to the continued success of our district.
We believe our elected school board members should be visible in Olympia and testifying whenever possible as to the needs of our district. We need them to be strong advocates for Federal Way Public Schools.
We find it interesting that Mr. Barney has had no trouble finding the time to travel the world on taxpayer dollars, yet couldn’t find the time to visit our state’s capital.
This is not the kind of commitment we want for our children’s future education needs. We want someone who has the time and commitment to serve our children, not take advantage of our tax dollars.
We believe it’s time for more visibility and accountability from our elected board members. That’s why we’re supporting Geoffery McAnalloy for Federal Way School Board Director District Position 1.
Joy Pothan and Donna Candiliere, Federal Way
