Democracy in action

In school we begin to learn about government and democracy almost from day one. We learn about the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the structure of government.

From elementary school to high school, students elect class representatives, student body representatives and participate in clubs and committees that shape the way our schools are governed. As adults we register to vote and throughout the year we are asked to take part in the most important component of our democracy – voting.

This year, the Sweetwater Union High School District finds itself in a unique position. We are in a position where not only will our community elect five new Board of Trustees members, but we will elect those members from five distinct geographic areas.

As the Interim Superintendent I feel that it’s my responsibility to encourage our community to take an active role in choosing the new leadership of the Sweetwater Union High School District. While it is not my intention to endorse any particular candidate or any specific electoral issue, it is my intention to encourage our community members to register to vote and then exercise their democratic rights by casting their ballots in the November election.

As citizens the action of voting allows us to weigh in on what happens in our schools and in our state and federal governments. President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and Senators and Congressmen and Government officials but the voters of this country.” I urge our community to mobilize and exercise by voting.

This November, the residents of the Sweetwater Union High School District that will have the ability to choose the leaders that guide our district. Let’s all take the time to get to know the issues, get to know the candidates in our district and then vote.

Since 1920, the Sweetwater Union High School District has done an amazing job of educating the students of South County. We have produced students who have gone on to successes that are too numerous to list here. Many of us are district graduates and many of us continue to reside and work in this district.

Let’s take some time and ensure that we continue our legacy of greatness. Let’s take time and ensure that the future of the district continues to thrive.

For information about registering to vote and important deadlines, visit the San Diego Registrar of Voters page at: http://www.sdvote.com/

For information about the Sweetwater District and the voting areas, visit: www.sweetwaterschools.org and http://www.sweetwaterschools.org/trustee-areas-interactive-map/

Glover is Interim-superintendent of Sweetwater Union High School District.