The purpose of this letter is twofold. The first is to thank the voters of Jefferson County for their past support which has enabled me to serve two terms on the Jefferson County Board of Education. The eight years have been rewarding to me, and I hope they have had positive results for Jefferson County Schools.

Secondly, I want to endorse two candidates in the May primary for the two open seats on the Jefferson County Board of Education. I am endorsing Mark Osbourn of Shepherdstown who is currently principal of C.W. Shipley Elementary and Gary Kable who is from the Charles Town area and is currently a member of the Board.

Mark has spent most of his 38 years in education with Jefferson County Schools. Twenty-three of those years have been as a principal. Under his leadership, C.W. Shipley has been named a West Virginia School of Excellence once and a WV Exemplary School five times. This unique perspective gives him an insider’s view of the present and future needs of the school system. His primary focus will continue to be on the students, their expectations and welfare. He will also work to promote the restoration of trust from both the community and employees of the school system. Mark is a man of unquestionable integrity who deserves the support of the voters of Jefferson County.

I have had the pleasure of serving for six years on the present Board of Education with Gary Kable. Gary currently serves as vice president of the local Board. His primary focus has always been on the welfare of our students. He is willing to listen to all sides of an issue before he makes a decision. His final position is always based on what he feels to be ultimately in the best interest of the school system. He is a hard worker and devotes many hours beyond what is required to help him understand all sides of an issue. He has earned the respect of his colleagues state-wide which is evidenced by his selection as vice president of the West Virginia School Boards Association. If re-elected, next year he will be president of that body. He deserves another term.

I urge the voters of Jefferson County to vote for both Mark Osbourn and Gary Kable for Jefferson County Board of Education in the May 8 Primary Election.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours truly,

Alan Sturm

Member, JC BO