I am writing today to endorse Ed Luera for position five on the Bellevue School Board. As a parent of two young children in the Bellevue School District, it is important to me that my children get the best education possible. The high quality of schools here is something we must not take for granted. That is why electing someone with the background, experience and compassion of Ed Luera is critical as we move forward with the challenges facing our district.

Our schools are facing an uncertain future with student growth challenging us to manage our resources and still put all students in a position to succeed. We are at a crossroads that requires great leadership and steady hands. Ed understands the value of a great education and of hard work. Ed achieved early success rising out of poverty to attend Harvard and Columbia, two of the finest educational institutions our country has to offer. Ed believes every student must be given the tools, education and opportunities to allow them to succeed, and then challenged to develop and use their abilities so that they will succeed.

While Ed has achieved great success in both his personal and professional lives, he has still donated countless hours to helping our students succeed. Ed believes in strong accountability for results; he knows that only by hard work and honoring the whole student can we expect and build for success.

Last, Ed is no politician. He is instead a man with great warmth, passion and energy to help make Bellevue the best place to live. I am proud to support Ed Luera and all of our children and ask you to do the same.