Thank You Bob Sedlak!
In the October 25, 2007 edition of the
Lakewood Sun Post, Robert W. Sedlak authored a letter to the editor entitled,
Teachers should have endorsed Markling. In his letter, Bob writes:
Robert W. Sedlak wrote:Teachers should have endorsed Markling
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Lakewood Sun Post
To the editor:
The recent endorsement of candidates for the Lakewood school board by the Lakewood Teachers Association did not include the name of Matt Markling. With membership in excess of 500, the teachers association (of which I am a member) has many dedicated and well-educated instructors. We all have many different points of view and are passionate about fixing the many problems involved with education. Though unsure of the reasons of excluding Markling as a recommended candidate, I feel that it is my responsibility to voice my very contrary opinion. Markling should be a recommended candidate.
He was a vibrant and integral part of the recent year-long investigation done on behalf of Lakewood High School in studying school climate for past and future years. His strong input regarding solutions to, or remedies for, Lakewood’s challenges were thoughtful, in some cases bold, but always with the best interests of our student body and staff. It is important that our school board continue to express themselves in thoughtful reflection of what is best for our students, but more important, to act on what they feel is best. Making difficult decisions are sometimes unpopular with the majority, but that does not mean they are wrong. They are just unpopular.
Markling attended many meetings throughout the course of the year-long study and continually contributed positively to all aspects of the study. He often times would solicit our opinions between meetings via e-mail, requesting feedback, supplying new information and generally moving the process of decision making to timely rational conclusions. His attention to detail and to deadlines, kept all the members of his committees on task.
Markling’s solid rational views on public education, coupled with a strong desire to contribute positively to Lakewood’s young people, should not go ignored by the voters. He will be an asset to the board of education, bringing strong leadership skills and a concerned willingness to work with the present board.
Robert W. Sedlak Rocky River Sedlak is a teacher at Lakewood High School.
As a former Lakewood School Board Member and current Lakewood High School Teacher, I have the utmost respect for Bob's opinion and guidance. To download Bob's letter, please click
here.While I would have been honored to have received the LTA endorsement, it does not change my view of the LTA as a key stakeholder in the Lakewood City Schools. In a posting of September 24, 2007, I shared with you my responses to the LTA questionnaire where I promised the LTA:
Matthew John Markling wrote:LTA Question No. 14
Should we choose to endorse you, what does being a candidate endorsed by the Lakewood Teachers Association mean to you? If you are elected to the board with our support, what does that mean to you?
For me, being endorsed by the Lakewood Teachers Association means that the Association agrees with my platform of academic excellence, school safety, and leadership, and would certainly be an honor.
If I am elected, with or without the endorsement of the Lakewood Teachers Association, I will work collaboratively with the Association to maximize academic excellence and school safety throughout the Lakewood City Schools. An endorsement does not affect my view of the Lakewood Teachers Association as a key stakeholder.
Lakewood is indeed very fortunate to have outstanding teachers throughout the Lakewood City Schools.