An Open Letter from WCS Superintendent Mike Looney
Published April 25, 2014
Dear Williamson County Parents, Students, Staff and Community Members:
We live in a marvelous community where local government, our schools, and communities serve as exemplars at regional, state, and national levels. Williamson County and our local municipalities are widely known for the excellent services provided to citizens.
As the Superintendent of Schools, I admittedly spend much time boasting about the results Williamson County Schools produce. Just this week, we learned that five WCS juniors earned a perfect score on the ACT. Last month, we learned that three schools have been nominated to receive the National Blue Ribbon School Award doubling the number of our schools sharing this prestigious distinction. For the last three successive years, student achievement results have reached all-time highs. In short, our data is exceptional by any measure.
Similar statements can be said about our local governmental agencies. Our municipalities and county government have strong reputations for providing great services, low taxes, and an excellent bond rating. Albeit, I continue to posit that our schools need additional financial investment to maintain their position of excellence.
From my perspective Williamson County is the perfect place to live, raise a family, work and play. However, I am concerned. No, I am fearful that all of our success might be breeding apathy. Our community is in danger of being lulled into complacency.
Don’t believe me? Consider this; some predict a mere 10 percent of registered voters will vote in this year’s election. Early voting is underway now for the May 6 primary, and there has barely been a trickle of folks stopping by the election office to cast their vote. I can only presume the low turnout is a result of high customer satisfaction. After all, if it is not broken don’t fix it, right? Right, but let’s be honest, there are individuals running for office who are not satisfied. In their view, we need change. Some believe we have too much debt; our schools are broken; our hospital needs to be sold; and the list goes on….
Without debating the merits of these points of view and as a result of my huge affinity for data, I can’t help but feel dumbfounded by the fact so few registered voters are expected to participate in the election process. It is quite plausible that some contests will be decided by 100 votes or less. In fact, we have several elected positions which will seemingly be filled by individuals new to public office without contest. They are likely fine people. Not knowing them, I assume their vision and ideologies align with the broader community. But, in reality, it doesn’t matter; they will be elected to office by default.
As the chief education officer for Williamson County Schools, I believe it is imperative to demonstrate to our students the importance of exercising our rights and responsibilities as citizens. Teaching citizenship is near and dear to my heart. Who knows, perhaps it was my service in the United State Marines which influenced me. Regardless, our forefathers saw fit to provide us with the right to vote and for this I am thankful. I would argue this right we have been afforded is tantamount to a responsibility. I’ve already voted and therefore met my duty to participate. I genuinely hope you will too.
Respectfully,
Mike Looney