School Board Elections Feb. 8

The Edmond Way Editorial Board recently interviewed six of the eight candidates running for the Edmond Public Schools (EPS) Board.  Office 2 drew five candidates, while Office 5 drew three candidates.  The editorial board interviewed all three candidates for Office 5 and three of the five candidates for Office 2.  The two candidates not interviewed, Ashley Duffey and Bobby Kern, failed to respond to multiple attempts at contacting them.

Of the six we did interview there appeared to be a consensus that mandates are not favored and neither is teaching our children a narrative that avoids the good in America.

For the Office 2 seat the editorial board recommends Courtney Hobgood. Ms. Hobgood possesses many of the same qualifications and requisite background as other candidates as well experiences within the district that are in high demand on this board this election cycle.  Hobgood is a parent of EPS students, has been very involved in the Parent Teacher Organization at Washington Irving Elementary, has also been involved in numerous fund raisers, and served on the principal selection committee filling one vacant principal position at the elementary school level.  Our editorial board was very impressed by Hobgood’s communication skills as she expertly dealt with numerous tough topics during her interview.

A second candidate for the open Office 2 seat is Indrit Vucaj, an experienced PhD who has worked with both the Enid and Oklahoma City public school districts is also a contender.  While not as strong a candidate as Ms. Hobgood in our eyes, Dr. Vucaj is an individual that the EPS should look to for assistance in program and grant development should he not win the board seat on Feb. 8.

The Office 5 seat, which has only three candidates running, has a clear choice. There is a reason the current board elected Marcus Jones to fill the board vacancy when the previous board member resigned this past year.  Mr. Jones has excellent credentials, understands how the board operates, and also understands one of the biggest problems facing our school district: COMMUNICATION.  Jones very clearly understands that the district must improve communication with students, parents, teachers and staff, the media, and the community at-large.  With the short tenure that Jones has had on board so far, he has not had the opportunity to address the issues and concerns he believes can be corrected and improved district-wide.

If you are looking for good strong qualified candidates for the EPS board on Feb. 8, we strongly endorse Courtney Hobgood for Office 2 and Marcus Jones for Office 5.  However, our board believes that the important point is to get informed and vote.  Please go to the polls on Feb. 8 and have your voice heard.