Letter: Cooley, Johnston backed for school board

As a concerned teacher in the Yuba City Unified School District, and as a member of the Yuba City Teachers Association Executive Board, I'd like to share teachers' support of school board candidates Herb Cooley and Mike Johnston. After interviewing most of the candidates, these two really stood out as people who gather all the information and research issues before making decisions. As a lawyer, Mike Johnston recognizes there are two sides to every story and the facts must be shown. He thrives on research. Both men are analytical and have dealt with budgets. Herb Cooley has worked through the district budget with a fine-tooth comb, asking questions about funds and making tough choices about spending.

Both candidates are concerned about meeting the needs of students, families and teachers. They recognize that many students will eventually go on to college and need to be challenged, while others need more hands-on, vocational opportunities within the school day. Herb and Mike understand school districts face high stakes with state testing, and they want to support teachers' needs in their classrooms, whether it's more flexibility with curriculum, more supplies, or simply more support.

I am pleased to endorse Herb Cooley and Mike Johnston for the YCUSD School Board, and I hope you'll consider them when you vote.

Krista Smith

Yuba City