Candidate for
Governing Board Member; San Luis Coastal Unified School District; Trustee Area 1

THE TRIBUNE ENDORSES WALTER MILLAR

During his two terms on the school board, Walter Millar has faced a number of daunting challenges, including enrollment declines that led to closure of three elementary schools and budget woes that necessitated $10 million in cuts.

He has a proven ability to tackle tough issues, experience in education and finance, and a strong commitment to students. For example, he's coached the mock trial team at Pacific Beach High every year since 2004, and he was a classroom, library and field trip volunteer for many years.

We also like the insights Millar has gained as a parent of two sons who graduated from district schools, and we admire his flexibility and willingness to consider all sides of an issue.

One example: He's opposed to drug testing for students involved in extracurricular activities because he believes it imposes an unfair burden on some of the district's highest-achieving students. Yet, when a couple of coaches came out in favor of the plan--pointing out that their teams were willing to buy into it -- he said he'd be open to reconsidering the issue.

Bottom line: Walter Millar's leadership and communications skills, coupled with his political experience and his first-hand knowledge of issues facing today's students, make him an excellent fit for the school board. We strongly endorse Walter Millar for re-election.