Published: June 16, 2009 06:17 pm      

In Your View — 06/17/09

Superintendent deserves support

We are writing this letter to encourage all parents, grandparents and interested parties of Boyd County students to attend the next Boyd County Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at Boyd County Middle School.

The contract for the current superintendent, Ken Osborne, is due to expire on July 1. Whether he continues in this capacity is controversial at this time.

Our school system has seen great strides of improvements made under Mr. Osborne’s leadership, and not to renew his contract would be a great injustice to our children.

Our goal as parents and grandparents is to see that our children receive the best education possible. We should stand behind our current superintendent and be told of the reasons the school board cannot agree on his rehiring for another term.

We will be there. Will you?

Gary and Sue Wilson, Catlettsburg



Boyd has excelled under Osborne

The parents of students of Boyd County’s school system need to be aware of what is going on within our district.

Our board of education is in the process of attempting to rehire Howard Osborne as superintendent. Mr. Osborne took over as the leader of our district at a time when honestly it may have been the biggest laughing stock in the state. Mired in lawsuits, low test scores, and a declining enrollment, Mr. Osborne brought leadership and dignity to our school district.

Test scores are up, lawsuits have been handled properly, and pride within our school has returned. Now members of our board of education are trying to decide whether he has earned another contract.

Some members of our board of education do not even meet the minimum standards to be substitute teachers for our children in the classroom, yet they will be deciding who sets policy and provides leadership for our children’s teachers. Parents and employees of our school district need to stand up for our leader. Board of education members are elected officials, thus they should represent the wants and needs of the people.

I encourage everyone to contact their local board member and remind him or her know that we want to keep Mr. Osborne as the leader of our children’s future.

Gavin Ramsey, Ashland



Recalling peaceful days on the river

While driving to see the river at the 14th street boat landing, I saw a sign informing us that the boat landing would be closed in a few days. It really saddened me, but I knew it was to make way for the start of the river front project.

I went on over and parked for a little while. As I sat there, I started thinking how much I will miss such a peaceful setting. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I have enjoyed this place over the years. I don't believe I am the only one because at times I have seen people bringing their kids to fish and play on the grassy area on the bank.

I tried to visualize how much they would change the boat landing area, because I know it would be disappointing for a lot of people, especially me. It is such a nice place to go sit and let my mind wander back when I was just a young lad myself playing on the river bank.

I was raised pretty close to the river in Flatwoods, Russell and Ashland. So, we four cousins spent a lot of time around the river fishing, skinny-dipping. I am the only one still living out of the four, but I still have all those good memories that have lasted me a lifetime.

Almost 80 years later I can still feel the river tugging at my heart, and it starts my memories flowing of a time many years ago of growing up on the river.

I’m not faulting the city or anyone for this project because I believe they have the city of Ashland as well as the whole community in mind. Thanks for letting an old man share his thoughts and memories

Leonard M. Grizzle, Ashland