Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Vote for Linda Gerhold Hodges for a fourth term on the Mathews County School Board. She has proven through her accomplishments on the board, her multifaceted professional work, and her many contributions in our community, that she is the best candidate. For all of her adult life, she has selflessly worked in a profession that required specialized education, collaboration and compassion for helping children and adults. Linda’s education and experience prepared her to be a school board member; nonetheless, her authenticity, ability to use and locate available resources, calmness, clear and concise communication, and her engagement with families and organizations in our community are remarkable attributes.
During the years I worked alongside Linda on the Mathews School Board, I observed her ability to engage board members in conversations that were often difficult to have due to differing opinions. She kept us focused on goals set by the board based on the needs of the school division. Student achievement, increasing costs, and providing safe buildings and environments for students are her focus, if she is re-elected.
With costs on the rise for everything communities need, mental health issues on the rise, especially in our youth, and cut scores in reading and math on the rise in Virginia’s public schools, we need Linda Hodges’ experience now more than ever.
She is familiar with the citizens of our community and is well-respected. She has years of experience working positively on the school board, and she has the heart and strength to face the challenges ahead.
Bambi Thompson
Cobbs Creek, Va.