School confusion unfair to candidate

I read with dismay last week the news articles questioning the ethics of one of our school board candidates, Brian Kirschling (“Campaign ethics get attention in Iowa City school board race,” Aug. 22). Apparently, Kirschling went to Hills to meet with residents and to City High to meet with teachers before a staff meeting. Despite the article's title, The Gazette stated, “In fact, it's not even clear if any laws were violated.”

Stephen Murley, ICCSD superintendent, stated that the district “has not given the school board candidates direction” regarding allowable campaign practices.

I would hope that all of our school board candidates are trying to talk with as many residents and teachers as they can, as frequently as they can.

The district should encourage these interactions, not prohibit them by making candidates pay $125 fees to rent school rooms for the purpose of talking with our teachers. This policy should be changed immediately, so that each candidate can learn as much as possible from our teachers regarding the important decisions facing school board members.

As residents, we need to educate ourselves on the candidates and their positions before we vote.

The candidates need to educate themselves by talking with residents and teachers about the issues facing our district.

Kirschling was trying to do just that. I applaud his initiative and desire to learn. He has my vote.

Lyse Norian

Iowa City