As a former library clerk and classroom aide at Lakeport Elementary and Terrace Middle School for 29 years, I have experienced first-hand how a great school board can shape our community for the better.

In our rural, close-knit community, we have some great people who are willing to step up and serve in times of need. Carly Alvord, Lakeport Unified School Board candidate, is one of those people.

A key issue in this school board is discipline at the school.

When I was working in the district, (coincidentally, at the same time Carly was a student), we had common sense discipline. Strong discipline builds strong character. Many of us would not be where we are today, had there not been such high expectations for our behavior.

Currently, kids are being taught there are no boundaries. They can curse, hit, spit and throw things without meaningful consequences. This is not OK.

Furthermore, it appears the mass exodus of teachers at the school may be directly related to this discipline policy. Teachers are being treated like punching bags with little authority. If we want our school to succeed, we must address this issue.

Carly understands this and is ready to tackle the issue head-on.

Transparency and the ability to listen are two important traits of any elected official. These are two areas where I believe Carly can also help the Lakeport Unified School Board. She does not mince words or shy away from speaking the truth. She seeks out opinions from others, listens, and takes input seriously.

Carly also has strong ties to the Lakeport community. She grew up here, her family lives here, and she has two children in the district. Being on the school board is not her life’s ambition, but she sees the need, feels strongly about several issues – and she’s willing to step-up and help!

For these reasons, I encourage all Lakeport voters to vote for Carly Alvord, along with her running mates, Dan Buffalo and Jen Hanson. For more information about her campaign, you can visit www.fixLUSD.com.

Michelle Figg lives in Lakeport, Calif.