In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Naomi Asher shares her personal and professional journey in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, highlighting the importance of educational leadership in the community. Asher, who moved to Oak Ridge at the age of nine, became a proud alumni of Oak Ridge High School and returned to the area after graduating college in 2005. Her early career as a substitute teacher and teacher assistant in the Oak Ridge Schools laid a foundation for her passion for advocating for children, which continued through her work with CASA of the Tennessee Heartland. There, she dedicated seven years to supporting abused and neglected children in the court system, emphasizing the critical role of advocacy in education and youth services.
Asher’s commitment to the community grew during her nine years at the United Way of Anderson County, where she collaborated with various youth service providers to better support children in need. Currently, she works with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, which serves over 7,600 children in the region, further solidifying her commitment to improving the lives of young people. Alongside her husband, Asher has also been a foster parent for over eight years, providing care for children in Anderson County. This extensive background underscores her deep understanding of the challenges faced by children and families within the education system.
The recent election forum for Oak Ridge Board of Education candidates, held on October 1, 2024, is another focal point in Asher’s letter. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, the forum brought attention to the importance of effective school governance and the critical decisions made by appointed board members in guiding educational policy and advocacy for children. Asher emphasizes that understanding the unique needs of children and their families is essential for anyone serving on the school board, underscoring the significance of informed leadership in educational settings.
Among the candidates, Asher shines a spotlight on Ashley Craven, whom she describes as a compelling advocate for children in the community. She highlights Craven’s awareness of the daunting challenges faced by many children in Oak Ridge and her readiness to seek innovative and equitable solutions to those challenges. This endorsement reflects Asher’s belief in Craven’s capacity to maintain Oak Ridge’s tradition of academic excellence while simultaneously crafting new strategies to meet contemporary educational needs.
Asher contends that the involvement of young parents like Craven is vital for preparing children for the complexities of today’s world. She articulates the need for school board members to not only honor traditional values but to also embrace innovative approaches that can effectively address the evolving circumstances children encounter. Craven embodies these qualities, and Asher passionately advocates for her candidacy, urging community members to learn more about Craven’s vision for education in Oak Ridge.
In closing, Asher expresses her full endorsement of Ashley Craven for the Oak Ridge School Board, reaffirming her belief in Craven’s genuine commitment to the community and her potential to be a transformative force in local education. Asher’s heartfelt appeal to the voters resonates with a call to action, encouraging them to recognize Craven’s qualifications and to support her candidacy for the betterment of the children in Oak Ridge. The letter encapsulates a strong sense of community spirit, aiming for a future where all children receive the support and education they deserve.