"This is yet another example of the failed leadership and lack of focus that Hunter Beasley has exhibited. He's shown zero regard for kids, teachers or even passing a budget for the school year that's already started."
Erick Knezek announces his candidacy for LPSB's District 8 seat before a crowd of about 40 supporters who gathered across from Broadmoor Elementary for the May 15 press conference
Election day is just three months away, and Hunter Beasley's decision to become a ringleader in the fight against Superintendent Pat Cooper and his plan to improve the system has left the president of the school board vulnerable to a fresh-faced challenger.
Beasley's lack of leadership compelled businessman Erick Knezek to take action. Knezek is taking Beasley on - in more ways than one.
As the lone challenger in District 8, Knezek hasn't wasted time in the short span since qualifying ended Friday, adding some spice to what's already been an active campaign: There is a growing number of Knezek signs showing up around town. In a video message posted Monday afternoon on his Facebook page, Knezek appears ready to take the gloves off.
In a message accompanying the post, Knezek says the video - watch the full version posted below this story - is a response to repeated questions and phone calls from District 8 constituents asking for his thoughts on Beasley's role in the investigation of the superintendent. In many ways, Beasley's complicity in the board's antics over the last year takes on a greater significance because of his capacity as the board's president, which puts him as the main line between the special investigating attorneys hired by the board, the superintendent and the public. He's become the face of the board.
The video opens with a question asking Knezek for his thoughts on a recent findings report given to Beasley by the attorneys hired to investigate the super: "What are your feelings about Hunter Beasley refusing to release a report on Dr. Cooper?"
The video then cuts to Knezek: "This is yet another example of the failed leadership and lack of focus that Hunter Beasley has exhibited. He's shown zero regard for kids, teachers or even passing a budget for the school year that's already started."
Knezek fades out and a second question appears on how Beasley, after receiving what was deemed an incomplete findings report attempted to convene a special meeting to allow for board action and a possible attempt at Cooper's termination.
But instead of directly answering the question of why the board's attorney would hand over an incomplete report, Knezek answers an even bigger question posed by Beasley's complicity throughout the investigation: that when it's all boiled down, what you get is a school board district failed by the man it elected four years ago and in need of new leadership.
For more examples of Beasley behaving badly as District 8's board member, particularly during his terrm over the last eight months as president of the board, go here, here or here.
Post by Erick Knezek.