Dear Lakewood,
My family needs me, and I need my family. This simple sentence explains why I am not seeking re-election to the Lakewood City School District Board of Education. My decision has not been made in haste, but rather after earnest consultation with my wife and with the best interest of my family in mind.
During my term on the school board, I have been trying to balance my obligations to the Lakewood City Schools and my state-wide legal practice with the educational and parental needs of my three sons, as well as my desire to spend more and more time with my best friend and wife, Katie. One of my children also has extraordinary medical needs which I have now determined require additional personal attention from me. I am simply unable to dedicate the time that I feel is necessary to effectively serve another four-year term on the Lakewood Board of Education.
I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside five seasoned and respected board members in Chas Geiger, Linda Beebe, Betsy Shaughnessy, Ed Favre, and John Kamkutis. And I am very proud of the work my school board colleagues have done to collaborate with parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and community stakeholders to maintain an excellent system of public education for all of Lakewood’s families. But now is the time for me to focus on the needs of my family.
These are the golden years of parenting. I want to cherish every moment with my wife and our three young sons. While Katie and I will continue to be supportive of the Lakewood City Schools as active parents, my family deserves my undivided attention at home. Frankly, Katie has been a saint over these past four years.
On July 11, 2011, I shared both my family obligations and decision to not seek re-election with the Lakewood Board of Education and Administration. While I am fulfilling my commitment to the Citizens of Lakewood by serving my full-term, I am hoping that my formal announcement will encourage school board candidates to throw their hats into the ring and dedicate themselves to putting pupils ahead of politics.
It has been an honor and privilege to represent the Citizens of Lakewood as President of the Lakewood Board of Education. And I am extremely thankful for the broad, heartfelt, nonpartisan support I have received from Lakewoodites throughout my school board tenure. I hope you will understand and support my need to put family ahead of politics.
Sincerely,
Matt Markling
Husband and Father