Last year at this time, I was asking residents to sign a petition to allow me to run for the Board of Education in the WCSD. I promised would-be supporters that I firmly believed in financial sustainability and would work as a "watch dog" on all spending issues.

I want the voters of this district to know that after being involved in Board matters for the first half of this year, I still firmly believe that the Westerville City School District has spending problems. I do want to provide the best possible education for the students of this district in a most efficient and cost effect way possible.

I want the residents to know that I have actively requested copies of invoices and check registers to see where we are spending. I have questioned the lack of information being made available to all citizens. I have asked to review goals and objectives for both the Superintendent and the Treasurer and will continue to work to insure that the stated objectives are measurable and not just left up to interpretation. Most importantly, I will continue to question all spending initiatives to help insure they are for the good of the students.

I continue to urge all taxpayers of this District to attend BOE meetings and avail themselves of the "public comments" section to make their feelings known to all BOE members and the Administration. I urge all concerned citizens to review announcements, agendas and programs listed on the District's website and send e-mails to all BOE members with their questions and concerns.

I am but one voice on a panel of five individuals voted to serve by the citizens of this District. Each and every taxpayer in this District needs to make their questions, comments, concerns and compliments known to the Board and the Administration.

Dr. Carol French

member, Westerville Board of Education