To the Journal editor:

The mission of Marquette Area Public Schools is to “maximize the academic potential of every child.” This is the simple goal that we need the next members of the Board of Education to strive toward. Jenn Klipp and Jen Ray are committed to the MAPS mission, and will make decisions that prepare our students to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

As a teacher of 20 years, Jenn Klipp has transformed children’s lives. Ms. Klipp has organized and led educational trips for her Ishpeming students to go to Washington, D.C.

The daughter of a friend of mine was on one of those trips to DC and she said that experience opened her daughter’s eyes to the foundations of our democracy. She goes above and beyond for students in her classes, and she will go above and beyond for all students in the MAPS system.

Jen Ray has brought a sense of community and culture to the City of Marquette through her business leadership. She understands what it takes to prepare students to become innovative, thoughtful leaders. She encouraged her college employees to incorporate what they have learned from their classes into their work, in some ways turning Donckers into a learning lab for sustainable business practices.

Maximizing the academic potential of every child requires making our schools a safe place for all children. It requires leaders who are willing to put their ego aside and listen to others.

If you are tired of the chest-thumping of politics this these days — tired of the noise and arrogance — you will find strong, clear voices in Jenn Klipp and Jen Ray.

SARAH MITTLEFEHLDT

Marquette