Dear Editor,

As a veteran Shelby County school board member, I want to thank the voters who worked so hard to renew the county’s existing 30-mill school tax. I also want to offer an invitation to those who voiced their opposition to it.

Of the registered voters in Shelby County, only about 5 percent were really opposed to the tax. Those who voted for the tax and those who did not vote obviously are either happy or extremely happy with the way our schools are run.

To those who assert the board and its administrators are not responsible, efficient or transparent, I invite them to become more educated through direct involvement with our schools.

I asked our superintendent, board members and other educational leaders if any of those who voiced opposition to the tax renewal had e-mailed or called them with specific questions and concerns. None had been directly contacted. Those who did contact us with specific questions and concerns were satisfied with the facts provided.

Communication is a two-way street, and transparency cannot be accomplished with muddy false accusations.

I personally invite Shelby County residents who still have specific questions (not general accusations) on the tax, our school operations and our efficiency to check out the Board of Education website. This award-winning service has tons of information, including our budget. It also lists the e-mail addresses for all board members and administrators. We are here to serve all of Shelby County.

Steve Martin

Vice President

Shelby County School Board