Letter to the Editor: Campaign Manager for School Board Candidate Louise Epstein

Dear Editor,

 I would like to respond to School Board member Brad Center’s recent comments about remarks candidate Louise Epstein made at the School Board debate with Jane Strauss on Sept. 26th.    (http://mclean.patch.com/articles/letter-to-the-editor-school-board-member-says-epstein-statements-are-incorrect)

 Louise Epstein stands by her remarks that Jane Strauss was not providing leadership on the FAIRGRADE issue with her fellow School Board members.  As FAIRGRADE’s Director of Communications, I have made available to the press the email communications from 2008-09 that summarize the in-depth discussions Louise had during that time with School Board member Brad Center.

 These emails clearly contradict Jane Strauss’ claims that it was Strauss herself orchestrating passage of the final vote count on FAIRGRADE.  FAIRGRADE knows, and the emails demonstrate, that Brad Center was the person acting as the School Board whip for the final vote count.  It is a shame that Center is now exhibiting “selective memory” during this election in order to assist his vulnerable colleague.

 If Jane Strauss were as effective as she alleges, why did it take nearly two years and 10,000 FAIRGRADE supporters to see this grading policy reform accomplished?   This issue was a no-brainer that was born in Strauss’ own district.  Yet Jane Strauss and some other School Board members sat on the sidelines until change was pretty much forced upon them by the community.

 FAIRGRADE and Louise Epstein delivered results for students and taxpayers that mattered.  Our students now have increased chances for college admissions and receipt of merit-based scholarships.  Louise Epstein’s campaign is about improving our nationally-recognized school system through new and effective leadership that stays ahead of the curve on all issues that impact our students and teachers.

 School Board member Jane Strauss’ and Brad Center’s negative attacks on Louise Epstein are unwarranted.  This type of negative campaigning does not serve our students, teachers and taxpayers and it should stop now.

 Catherine Lorenze

FAIRGRADE Director of Communications
Campaign Manager, Louise Epstein for School Board