Northeast Johnson County voters have the opportunity to help ensure a responsible state Board of Education by casting ballots in the Aug. 5 primary.

It’s a particularly important vote because control of the state board has fluctuated for several years between opponents and proponents of evolution and sex education in public schools.

The board bounced between respectability and national embarrassment, and state science standards were in limbo.

Evolution has not been an issue in the Republican primary election for the District 2 seat, which includes parts of Lenexa, Overland Park and Shawnee, because the candidates appear to support reasonable science standards that include the teaching of evolution.

However, Mary C. Ralstin of Shawnee has the support of moderate-leaning organizations that are concerned about religious interests injecting themselves into public education, as well as those that support improved school funding. Both the Mainstream Coalition and Kansas Families for Education have endorsed Ralstin over Brandon Kenig, who has Kansans for Life and the conservative Kansas Republican Assembly in his camp.

Ralstin is The Star’s choice as well. She offers the best opportunity in this primary to continue the type of leadership exhibited by the current District 2 board member, Sue Gamble, who is seeking election to the state Senate.

The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic Rep. Sue Storm, of Overland Park, a former teacher.

Ralstin, a nurse at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, wants to continue Gamble’s work in support of public education.

She hopes to keep in touch with superintendents in District 2 to better understand their concerns. She also has the endorsement of the Kansas National Education Association. Ralstin is a good choice in this primary election.