To the editor:

In the upcoming Saranac Lake Board of Education election, I plan to vote for Justin Garwood. Justin grew up in Saranac Lake and is a graduate of the SLCSD. After reaching the pinnacle of his career and acquiring graduate degrees from Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Justin chose to return home to Saranac Lake to put his educational expertise to work for the students and taxpayers of this district.

After three years on the school board, he has the experience we need going forward to wisely navigate the challenge facing our school district. Justin is not focused on the needs of a select few, but of many. He has supported policies that helped the district raise its academic achievement scores; positioned us on a strong financial footing; and clearly demonstrated a focus on transparency with the public. For example, his work on creating the new Red Storm mascot included multiple rounds of public voting and two public hearings.

Finally, Justin is a nationally known expert on school safety. Widely published in his field, we are fortunate to have someone as dedicated to students’ wellbeing as Justin serving on the Saranac Lake Board of Education.

Please, join me in re-electing Justin to a second three-year term.

Joan Miller Donaldson

Retired former educator, SLCSD

Lake Clear