Editorial: I-SS school board race serves as referendum

Forget about the Clinton-Obama slugfest. The fate of more than 20,000 Iredell-Statesville Schools students could very well rest in the hands of a relative few voters in the upcoming May 5 primary.

While that may sound outlandish, consider that Dr. David Cash, the school board chairman, is opposed by three challengers who want to represent the residents of District 2.

Cash, more than any member of the I-SS board, represents the status quo.

Depending on your vantage point, that's either good or not so good. During Cash's time as chairman, more than a dozen I-SS school facilities have been improved or are in the midst of a major upgrade, local teacher supplements have increased and the district's relationship with the county commission has been largely civil. SAT scores are also up and the district has worked to improve graduation rates.

During the same time, Superintendent Terry Holliday, with the board's blessing, has also implemented the Baldrige National Quality Program, a management and planning tool that has been embraced by some I-SS teachers and administrators and driven others to seek employment elsewhere.

It's safe to presume that Cash, if re-elected, would stay the course.

In order to unseat the incumbent, primary challengers John R. Miller, Morris Roseman and Marshall M. Stewart must offer voters something different – and better – than what Cash, the current board and the superintendent have delivered. That's often easier said than done.

While all eyes remain on the presidential primaries, a small minority of Iredell voters will be quietly doing some very important work. As voters in District 2 evaluate their candidates for the I-SS board, they will be carrying the weight of thousands of schoolchildren to do what's best for the entire school district.

Their votes should be as much about the future as they are about the past.