Dear Ohio Voter:

This year, on November 4, 2008, you have an opportunity to make a difference in Ohio’s public school systems at the ballot box.

My name is Kristen McKinley and I am running as a candidate for the Sixth District seat on the Ohio Board of Education. This seat encompasses all of Franklin County and is a vacant seat.

For the past 15 years I have lived and worked in Franklin County as an attorney. For the last seven years, I have been heavily involved with cases related to the state’s education system. This has given me first-hand insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our current public education system. I am familiar with issues related not only to the employees working within the school system but the parents and students, as well.

My interest in public education began when I was a high school senior and held the student seat on my public school’s board. I admit that I might have been asked to serve in this capacity due to attending a contentious school board meeting and speaking out about the funding issue that was on the agenda.

While in high school, I taught business concepts to elementary students and later in law school, legal concepts to high school juniors. Teaching is such a rewarding experience and our children are assets of a future to come. 

I am aware of the time spent by the current Board debating curriculum issues such as creationism versus evolution. Because the current state of the law is a separation between church and state, debating this subject is whittling away public funds over an issue that has no current place in public schools. I believe that there are far more pressing issues that this Board must address.

Our governor has committed to making education a priority during his administration. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that the way we fund education in Ohio is unconstitutional. It did so during the last governor’s administration. And yet, nothing has changed.

Please help me to become the next State School Board member for the Sixth District so that I can deal with the important issues that face Ohio schools.

Thank you for your support and your vote.

Very truly yours,

Kristen McKinley

P.S. Should you wish to contribute financially, please make checks payable to “Committee to Elect Kristen McKinley” and forward them to 3656 Cannongate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43228.