There comes a time when change is required within an organization to keep it moving forward. This is particularly so when "group think" has set in. That appears to be the case at Longview ISD, where a hidebound board has largely ignored the voices of district patrons who have become increasingly vocal in their disregard for the status quo. Disparate voices must be heard and given proper respect. That is one among many reasons we endorse Shandreka "Shan" Bauer as the best choice for election to the Place 5 seat on the Longview ISD school board. Of course, change merely for the sake of change is never positive. It is important to note this endorsement is not solely because of the need for change in our city's largest school district. It is also because of Bauer's passion, intelligence and understanding of local school issues. Through her election, we are seeking betterment of the school district and, by extension, our city. Bauer's opponent is incumbent board member John Preston, who has served for 18 years. The state does not allow term limits for school board members but if it did, we suggest the local limit would be far less than 18 years and a new voice would long have been a part of the conversation. And a new voice is badly needed. Besides living in the district her entire life Bauer also studied at LeTourneau University, earning a degree in business administration. She is the business manager for a Longview law firm and a member of the Longview Midtown Rotary Club. She is well connected, well thought of and energetic. Bauer also has three children who go to schools within Longview ISD. That gives her a unique insight into the operations of various campuses. When trustees deal with schools in the same way as parents, there is a feel about what works well and what needs attention. It helps end the problem of parents' voices not being heard. One thing Bauer correctly sees as problematic is communication between the board and the public, and between the board and teachers. Unfortunately, the board operates under rules that restrict the interaction trustees can have with the public. All public statements must come from the board president, a policy that squelches open and public discussion of issues and hampers true district representation. Bauer notes that throughout her campaign, residents have cited the lack of open and honest communication as a root problem within the district. She would like to see that change and so would we. The town hall type meetings she suggests would be a step forward, but ideally communication would be unfettered between each board member and the public he or she serves. That is the way most deliberative bodies work — and should — but it is not the way of Longview ISD. The election of Bauer alone will not necessarily change the board's standard operating procedure but it would be a good and solid step in that direction. For change within Longview ISD, we suggest a vote for Shan Bauer.