Wilk will be an independent voice on School Board

Letter to the editor

Voters in the Potomac Magisterial District have an important choice to make for their school board member. They can return Mrs. Covington to office or they can turn to Justin Wilk.

There are several reasons to support Mr. Wilk. I am probably one of the only voters in [the Potomac District] who had Mrs. Covington as a principal when I attended Dumfries Elementary, but later had Mr. Wilk as a teacher at Woodbridge Middle School. Both were outstanding educators, and cared deeply about their students.  I truly respect Mrs. Covington, but it’s time for a change.

If Mrs. Covington campaigns on her experience we have to ask what we have gotten from it. We have the highest class sizes in the state, children going to class in trailers, the lowest teacher and staff compensation in the Washington region and specialist vacancies that go unfilled because of low pay and high caseloads. We can do better than this.

The administration that brought you this situation has made October Betty Covington month on PWCSTV, their website and Facebook page. We have to conclude that somebody sees this election as a choice between a rubber stamp and an independent voice for students, parents and taxpayers. Voters can too.

Justin Wilk will be that independent voice. He has relevant work experience in community outreach to keep citizens informed and make the school system more transparent. His professional training and background in educational leadership have enabled him to identify problems and propose solutions for school systems all over the nation.  

It is no accident that both of the teacher unions that are active in our community are supporting Justin Wilk. He supports building more classrooms, safe schools, competitive pay and reducing class sizes and caseloads.

If you believe it’s time for a change, your candidate is Justin Wilk. If you have had enough of going along to get along, you want Justin Wilk. If you want transparency in your school system, your choice is Justin Wilk. If you want a school system that really is world class, vote for Justin Wilk.

Brandon Rinaldi lives in Triangle.