The profiles of the candidates for school board seats were excellent. I was especially impressed with Ed Dennison, who is running for the District 2 seat against incumbent Kathy Farren.

Dennison's comments about the IB program at Pinecrest are quite enlightening. He had no specific feelings about the program, but he made two very wise suggestions.

First, he suggested having specific goals and ways to measure outcomes. Second, he said that if you have a program, you have to support it.

"You can't keep monkeying around with it." This wisdom has been missing at the school board in recent years.

Dennison also stated that a board member needs to be seen in the community, and he or she needs to listen to the community and stand up for parents who cannot come to the meetings. This is very important.

Ideally the school board should be responsive to the community while protecting those who may not have a voice. He will be an advocate for all of the children from Aberdeen to Robbins.

The next school board will have many important questions to consider. The economic outlook is uncertain, there are teacher shortages across the entire country, and we are expecting unprecedented growth in our schools due to BRAC.

The school board should set specific goals, measure outcomes and make wise decisions instead of making arbitrary proposals and decisions that are not based on fact. Electing Dennison will ensure that the board will become more goal-oriented and less arbitrary.

I will be voting for Dennison, and as a pediatrician and advocate for the children of Moore County, I am asking that everyone consider Dennison for the District 2 seat.

Dr. Joe Boals

Southern Pines