Laverty wants success for every student

I hope that each citizen will exercise his/her right and responsibility and vote in Tuesday's school election. A non-voting citizen has no standing when it comes to disagreements with school district decisions.

My vote will be for John Laverty. Once you meet Laverty, you realize that he is dedicated to the academic success of all students. He is supportive of efforts under way in our community to encourage African-American students toward achieving their academic potential. We are together in that effort. I know, as does he, that it takes many stakeholders in collaboration to help move this effort forward. He has been there to help bring others to the table, to listen and to participate in challenging conversations.

While Cedar Rapids has always offered students excellent opportunities, Laverty strives to ensure that those who face impediments to their success receive the support and encouragement they need to meet their potential. He will continue the work necessary to ensure that these students - whether plagued by poverty, abuse, homelessness or the myriad challenges that students deal with today - can receive a quality education in a supportive environment.

I am a retired educator, founder of The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success, past director of the Iowa Department of Human Rights, and current program director of Kids on Course. It is from this background and from knowing the excellent work Laverty has done, that I ask you to join me in re-electing him to the Cedar Rapids school board.

Ruth E. White

Cedar Rapids