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Lars Larsen: Perfect for Stafford School Board

June 18, 2009 12:35 am

Lars Larsen: Perfect for Stafford School Board

When I learned that Lars Larsen was a candidate for the Falmouth District School Board seat, I was delighted ["Stafford School Board will have a new look," June 11].

The people of that district should be, too.

I served with Lars on the Stafford County School Board's long-range planning committee a few years ago.

He was vice chairman and quickly established himself as a key member with his core belief that all school-related decisions should directly result in a superb education for every child in the county rather than those in particular districts.

He is able to look beyond the immediate to see future issues that will have profound cost considerations for all of us.

One specific issue I recall Lars looking into in-depth was how the school system will pay to adapt its diesel-fuel-burning school buses to comply with federal and state clean air and emissions regulations.

While that issue is probably not on anyone's radar now, it will be as the compliance date grows nearer and the price tag becomes clearer.

Lars' belief in the needs of every school child and his ability to see longer-term issues are precisely what the School Board needs to be the education guardians of generations to come.

His willingness to think critically and analytically will be crucial to leading the school system through demanding times lying ahead and will be a refreshing change from the board's current practice of granting everything the school administrations want without independent review.

Gene D. Smith

Stafford





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