As a concerned parent and former PTA vice president, I have witnessed the persistent lack of diversity on our school board.

We need to address a systemic issue that requires continuing focus until our board reflects the 51.5 percent minority student population in the county.

With the adoption of a blended membership of half appointed and half elected, we can make some strides in a positive direction. I commend County Executive Ken Ulman for creating a commission to look at this issue because it finally address a culture that is in the fabric of the county which does not embrace diversity or inclusion.

This is evident by the remarks from some board members interviewed on Sept. 13. I am embrassed and disappointed that in 2011 we don't see the need for diversity on the Howard County school board. All members are supposed to represent all people, but in my 12 years in the school system, I have not had a board member fight for my child's rights.

We need to ensure that all members have a shared vision of a fair balance between geographic, both urban and rural, and minority representation.

Michele Richardson

Glenwood