Latasha DeLoach cares deeply about people

To the editor:

In a field of candidates for Iowa City school board, Latasha DeLoach stands out as a compassionate listener with an open mind, a champion of better education for all of the ICCSD's diverse student population and a principled leader who will work with administration without rubber stamping central office decisions.

Having known her for over 15 years, I can assure voters that she cares deeply about people - she's a social worker and she's seen a lot of heartache - and she knows that saying the right thing is good, but doing the right thing is better.

She believes that every voice should be heard in order to work toward consensus instead of confrontation. At the same time, she firmly believes in doing right by all stakeholders in the ICCSD, and she will act according to her principles and her values to serve students, parents, educators and other staff. She will be an advocate for all students, from the most disadvantaged to the most gifted. She has a heart of gold, but she is also strong minded and perceptive. If she believes something is amiss, she will get to the root of the problem and the truth of the matter. She also will prove a powerful voice in Des Moines as politicians continue to cut funding for schools. Elections matter. The election on Tuesday will reveal the direction citizens want our schools to go. Anyone who wants a fair minded, honest, compassionate, forward looking and principled leader needs to vote for DeLoach.

William Mitchell

Iowa City