Endorsement: School Board Chairman runoff

Gayla White has spent the last 8 years as the school board representative for District 3; as such, she has a thorough understanding of the strides that have been made by Dothan’s public school system and the distance that lies ahead. Her experience gives her a strong advantage over her opponents.

Harry Wayne Parrish has broad name recognition from his years as a high school football coach, particularly for having led Northview High School to two state championships.

Parrish has been out of the local school system for years, mostly working in public education and athletics in a Georgia school system. Much has changed in Dothan’s school system, particularly on the education side, which puts Parrish at a disadvantage.

Parrish also sent a letter to the state Parole Board on behalf of Joseph Campbell, a former Honeysuckle Middle School teacher who was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison for a sexual relationship with one of his students. Parrish’s intervention in this matter brings his judgement into question.

White’s two terms on the school board and passionate involvement make her the clear choice over the prodigal coach to lead the board for the next term.

The Dothan Eagle endorses Gayla White for school board chairman.