On Sunday, September 16, SEEK held its first meeting of the 2007-08 school year, to start early planning for the April, 2008, Board of Education election. The three-year terms of Board members David Matthews, Shirley Smith and Margaret Mora will be expiring, and they are potential candidates for reelection. Of the three incumbents, only Mora was originally endorsed by SEEK three years ago, so this may represent a good opportunity for new candidates to receive SEEK endorsement.

SEEK (an acronym for Supporters of Education for Englewood’s Kids) was formed in 2003 in reaction to the threat by tax-minimizing activists to block necessary physical investment in the public schools. Following approval by the voters of the school construction bond referendum in 2004, the voters elected SEEK-endorsed candidates committed to implementing the improvements which had been approved, as well as other continuing reforms. As a result of subsequent elections, all of the currently serving Board members except Matthews and Smith are persons endorsed by SEEK.

From its beginning, SEEK has conducted open interviews with persons interested in service on the Board, using a standard format, and has chosen those it will support by secret ballot of its members. Currently serving Board members participate. Following selection of a slate, SEEK has raised funds and conducted a city-wide campaign for its chosen candidates in each of the last four April Board elections.

The co-chairs of SEEK are Kathe Baird, an involved parent, and Lionel Garrison, a former Board member. They welcome any assistance in identifying qualified and interested persons who would like to serve the community on our Board of Education. Kathe can be reached at 201-816-9156.