More Colleton residents need to participate in online surveys.
In recent meetings of the Colleton County School Board, we heard repeatedly from several school board members that a recent online survey did not properly reflect on the entire community. These statements were made by elected leaders, who said that not enough people in the community took the survey. Since the results were so low, these school board members deduced that the survey results did not carry enough weight and did not adequately represent the voice of Colleton residents.
We can argue all day long that results are results and that elected leaders should listen to their constituents. However, that has been said repeatedly by this newspaper editorial staff. Instead, we are asking more Colleton residents to actually participate in surveys, polls and questionnaires so that more residents’ voices can be heard.
The majority will win in an election. Therefore, if you don’t participate in an election, or, in this case, a poll or survey, then your voice simply isn’t heard.
We are asking more residents, parents, community members, business owners and students to participate in surveys and polls and questionnaires. It is the way that the school board members will hear you. Yes, you can attend meetings. Yes, you can still send emails. Yes, you can still call your respective board member. You can also click a few buttons and allow your opinion to be known. It is critical that more Colleton residents participate.
You don’t have to be a parent to be involved. The school district and the school board collect millions of dollars each year in taxpayer funds. They are the largest employer of our district. As a stakeholder in this system, each of you have a right to express your opinions. To the credit of district officials, they are asking for your opinion. More of you should give it.
Let your opinion be heard.
