Larry Lee is running for school board in Montgomery, Alabama, on the Republican line. I hope that many people vote for him and elect him. He is passionate about improving schools for all children. He is very well qualified to serve on the school board and would be a champion for students and teachers.

The school board election is June 5.

Larry Lee is a native of Alabama who is dedicated to helping public schools. Larry headed a rural education group and traveled the state to identify high-performing public schools where principals, teachers, and parents in rural schools are doing their best to help their children get a good education despite meager resources.

Since he announced his candidacy, Larry has been harshly criticized by some key figures in the Republican Party.

Larry believes in public schools. That’s where the kids are. Larry knows that charters and vouchers don’t solve the problems of the children or the schools.

The campaign to stop Larry Lee turned vicious. In the closing days of the campaign, he was called a racist. Larry Lee cited his deep support in the black community, and he denounced the charges as “more trash.”

Behind the attacks on Larry is the Business Council of Alabama, which supports privatization of public schools.

Larry wrote,

“There is a battle going on for the heart and soul of our public schools. And really for the heart and soul of Alabama.

“So that battle has now landed on District 2 of the Montgomery School Board. A few square miles of east Montgomery are now a microcosm of what is taking place from Bayou La Batre to Bridgeport and from Smith’s Station to York.

“Last night I sat in a packed auditorium of a Montgomery elementary school while the 5th grade performed their own version of a Broadway musical. It was delightful. Mamas and daddies clapped and took pictures and beamed when Johnny or Mary had a featured part.

“This was Alabama at its best. This is what public schools are all about. About teachers who work tirelessly to teach some very awkward young man how to “dance” or some shy young lady to step to a microphone and recite lines with 500 pair of eyes staring at her. It’s about the PTA giving the principal a check for $25,000 to be used to make her school better.

“It’s about the smell of popcorn and five-year old little sister squirming on the floor at the front of the room while big sister sings and dances.

“I know that. It’s sad that others don’t. That instead, they think a school board election is only about bending others to their own will.

“I am glad the battle continues.”

Larry Lee is the real thing. He is running for the school board to fight for better schools. I hope the people of his district elect him to stand up for their children and their public schools.

If you wish to donate to Larry’s campaign, here is the link. He would be grateful for a donation of any size. It is time the children have an advocate on the school board.