All North Dakota Educators, Citizens--Take Note, Take Action.

IN THE MAIL: Vote Laird for state superintendent
Grand Forks Herald
Published Thursday, June 05, 2008

GRAND FORKS — Clarion cries for political change surround us this election year. However, change is needed in more offices than just presidential. It is time for a change in the office of the state superintendent of public instruction, too.

Wayne Sanstead has occupied this position for more than 20 years. It truly is time for a change.

So on June 10, mark your ballot for change: Vote for Max Laird.

Laird is a teacher who is not only knowledgeable about the politics surrounding education, but, more important, he is passionate about kids. He believes that all young people deserve equal opportunities, no matter their socioeconomic background, their ACT score or the location of their school. All kids matter to Laird.

It’s easy to talk about change, but what has Laird done to make a difference? He has been involved at the local and state level in making changes that help young people. He works in the classroom and knows firsthand the problems and the benefits of No Child Left Behind. He knows what parents and teachers face in educating young people. He is active in education and has been for more than 25 years.

If you want to continue life as we know it at the state level, vote for a man in his 70s who hasn’t been in the classroom for more than 20 years. But if you want to see real change happen educationally for all students, rural and urban, vote for Laird.

Laird will work with legislators and educators to bring about needed improvements in our state education system. He’ll be an advocate not only for parents, but also for kids. That’s the kind of change we need in North Dakota.

Eileen Zygarlicke