In a surprise move, retired police officer Dennis Dickinson is running for a spot on the Oak Harbor School Board as a write-in candidate.

He’s challenging Robert Hallahan, an airline pilot who’s running to fill a seat being vacated by Christine Cribb.

Both candidates would make excellent additions to the board. Dickinson worked at the high school for several years as the school resource officer, which gives him a valuable perspective. As a former officer, he has ideas for making schools safer.

Hallahan has a long list of issues he hopes to help tackle, from school start times to expanded natural science curriculum to a lack of classroom space.

Dickinson’s decision to run as a write-in candidate meant that the public has little time to learn about him and his ideas.

Hallahan, who has been in the race from the beginning, is our pick for school board. However, we encourage Dickinson to consider running again in the future.