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Miele's experience crucial in school race

Lou Miele had hoped to avoid a second election battle this year and win a new term on the School Board outright in September. Things did not work out that way for the board chairman, and he faces strong challenger Paul Earnheart on Nov. 7.

It may prove to be a blessing in disguise for Miele.

Four years ago, Miele won a seat on the board when his opponent quit the race after details of a criminal episode came to light. Miele thus never really had to sell himself and his vision for improving the local education system to the voters.

Now, with four years of on-the-job training, Miele presents a report card of sorts for voters to evaluate. He also faces an energetic, engaging challenger in Earnheart.

While Miele may not agree, all of this is good for him. He should emerge from this race as a tougher, more focused board member able to articulate his positions and ready to take action on more fronts. He should be better able to handle the leadership requirements that his current position on the board demands.

Miele, 47, a former teacher and now a real estate agent, has been through numerous tough situations on the board during the last four years. From the construction nightmare at Homosassa Elementary School, the heartbreak of the Jessica Lunsford ordeal and its after-effects on school system to changing attendance zones and starting times for students to a mountain of growth-related issues, this current board has had its hands full.

Miele has learned a lot through these experiences and this detailed knowledge of the issues the board must continue to face makes him the better choice for voters in this race.

Earnheart's biggest strength is Miele's biggest weakness. An enthusiastic 40-year-old teacher at Rock Crusher Elementary School, Earnheart brings vibrancy and a bursting-at-the-seams intensity for helping children to the race. Miele could use a little of Earnheart's energy and optimism as he tackles the board's challenges.

For all of his passion, however, Earnheart is weak on the intricacies of the way the school system operates. He cannot match Miele's handle on the many mandates that the state and federal governments force on the district to the pressures from the public as well as the details of where the district has been and where it needs to go.

As Earnheart expands his knowledge of district and statewide educational issues, however, he will become a more formidable challenger. He should continue to be involved in the school district on levels outside of the classroom, sharing his upbeat outlook on teaching the whole child and making education fun again.

It takes a lot to unseat an incumbent in any race and Earnheart has not demonstrated that Miele's performance warrants his removal. Miele, has been a solid, sensible board member who makes sound decisions for the betterment of the district.

Miele recognizes that there is a lot of work still to be done if students are to achieve the highest goals and the Times recommends that voters return him to the School Board on Nov. 7 to continue these important efforts.

Candidates who do not receive a recommendation from the Times editorial board are invited to respond. Replies are limited to 250 words and must be received by 5 p.m. Monday. Deliver to: Greg Hamilton, Editor of Editorials, Citrus Times, 301 W Main St. Inverness, Fl. 34450; e-mail to Hamilton@sptimes.com or fax to 860-7320.

[Last modified October 18, 2006, 19:58:44]