Tacoma parents have the opportunity to reshape and improve the school board. The time has come to elect individuals whose children are currently attending Tacoma schools, know its weaknesses, and have a vested interest in helping guarantee changes that will enhance the future of their children and the community.

Former superintendent Charlie Milligan gifted the district with the introduction of the Saxon method of math. His research and math background found Saxon textbooks being used successfully in other national school districts. It is our family’s experience that teachers are failing to use the Saxon method to the continued detriment of our children.

It is also our experience that the writing program is not age appropriate. Teachers are using concepts that belong at the high school level in the fourth grade. Test scores once again reflect this failure in judgment.

Parents want a safe, secure environment with controls on bullying, attention to their children’s special needs and realistic academic standards. My vote and yours should go to Catherine Ushka-Hall and Stan Smith to make certain that the Tacoma schools initiate this type of reformation.