Chas Roemer Asks Central for Support for BESE

[Editor’s Note: Subject to state law, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education governed state education policy in the state.  BESE has eight elected members and three members appointed by the governor.  Central is part of the 6th BESE district and is represented by Chas Roemer of Baton Rouge.  The election is Oct. 22.]

CENTRAL — BESE member Chas Roemer spoke at the Republican Women of Central Candidates’ Forum three weeks ago and asked for support in his reelection campaign.

Roemer has been a reformer on the BESE board and frequently has ruffled feathers in the education establishment.  He has two opponents, Beth Meyers and Donald Songy.  Roemer is a Republican.

On Wednesday, he issued a statement to the people of Central, asking for their support in the Oct. 22 election: “I appreciate the consideration by the people of Central.  I have fought the last four years for the values that I believe represent Central: family, faith, responsibility and accountability.  We spend $9 billion in this state on K-12 education and while Central enjoys being one of the most outstanding districts in the state, many districts have wasted a great deal of that money, and they should be held accountable.”

“Unfortunately, many in government — and many other school districts — treat tax dollars like an entitlement rather that a privilege to be respected and guarded.  Perhaps that is why 44 percent of the schools in the state are a D or F.  My philosophy is fairly simple, the schools should be your schools and reflect your values.  We should empower parents to make decisions.  We should empower teachers with the tools and classroom discipline they need to be effective and take paperwork off of their desk.  Good kids who work hard should not be stuck in failing schools.’

“Children and families should have the option of a quality school — be it the local public school, a public charter school or a home school.  I believe the people of Central feel the same way and that is why they broke away from the East Baton Rouge School System and declared independence.  I like that spirit.  I like that can do attitude and sense of responsibility.  The families of Central deserved a quality option — one that reflected their values and their beliefs.  I value my friendship with the people of Central.”

“I ask for your support, consideration and help.”