Opinions expressed on the editorial page and in the opinion sections of the online publication do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school administration.

All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Members of the Editorial Board include all staff editors.

This year’s Rockwood School Board election has been one that many of us won’t forget. Messy, controversial and complex are just a few words that come to mind. 

The Rockwood community has to do better. School board elections are important. No one is denying the effect the outcome of the election could have on current students, funding and district-wide programs. When it becomes apparent, however, that a school board election has spiraled out of control, it’s time that we, as a community, step back and really evaluate the direction we want to take as a district.

The response on social media has been ugly. Facebook especially has become a breeding ground for hate and arguing, showing the division among what the community really thinks is the best for students. 

It has become nearly impossible to decipher what is true about the candidates and what has been a poorly researched post supporting or bashing a candidate. There have been accusations of blackmail and attacks. There have  been nasty social media posts. One candidate has spent nearly $24,000 of their own money on a campaign, according to a Missouri Ethics Commission report. Additionally, high schoolers have become a target on social media, as a letter to the editor published to The Bugle proved. 

Rockwood parents: you have the power to influence your children’s education and social structures at school with your vote, so educating yourself and using your voice is essential. However, what has spiraled in online forums has not been educational for other voters. Fake Facebook groups made to make fun of candidates do not help advocate your position and replying to each other again and again, picking on the nuances of an argument does not help increase the education of the candidates either. 

Reaching out to the candidates personally, finding reliable sources and evaluating what you want in your child’s school district in a responsible and mature manner is the only way our community can pick the candidates that will move our community forward. 

We ask that Rockwood voters make the change that they see fit with their vote and express their voice and opinions in a manner that is educational and not inflammatory. Additionally, if you don’t see the change that you want to see made, strive to make it. Volunteer as a substitute teacher, be actively involved in board issues and make strides in your community through action. 

As April 6 nears and the votes are ready to be cast, we ask that you, a Rockwood voter, keep this in mind and as you seek to make a change this election, work on education and action instead of hostility and the Facebook comment section.  

We want what is best for the school district, for students and for parents. While we have different ideas on getting there, we’re only going to reach it as a community.