With a new board that seems to recognize how far the Bremerton School District must go before it can start patting itself on the back, maybe the students will get a less dismal lesson.

New Board member Dave Rubie says his top priority is reinstating physical education, music and library hours. Parents are growing uneasy, and want the district to place the appropriate priority on access to physical activity, music and books.

After all, Bremerton should be educating the next generation of artists, thinkers and problem-solvers, not just those who will serve hamburgers to graduates of Bainbridge High School.

It’s not a small goal, considering the district will have to do more than it currently does with less money.

But what district officials must ask themselves, the question that may clear the air, is what are the students being educated for?

Are these the kind of people businesses would want to hire?

Can they think critically? Are these the kind of people neighbors would invite over for dinner?

Is Bremerton producing leaders, or followers?

Bremerton is selling its kids short, and has been for some time.

Physical fitness, books and music appreciation are not luxuries, they are vital to producing the kind of citizen we would want as an employee and neighbor.

Hopefully the district’s new leaders understand that.