To the editor:
Hastings School District was why our family chose to build here and raise our children, all graduating from ISD200 and are productive adults. Their excellent education sufficiently prepared them for college and adulthood. Unfortunately, today's students are not prepared as grade level requirements in math and reading are not being met. This is a country-wide situation, so our attention as a school district, with excellence as the goal for all our students, should focus on improving these areas. Let's stop concerning ourselves with sunsetting DEI Policy 100, a divisive work which caused division among our teachers, students and community. This policy is the difference our district has from surrounding districts where our students are choosing to relocate, to avoid being ridiculed for common sense thinking.
I was shocked that some of our teachers were hissing and booing at the school board meeting because they didn't agree with the person speaking or what they were saying. This decorum being used by the adults we are entrusting our children to for five days a week is deplorable. Each one of the teachers who participated in this childish and disrespectful behavior should consider what they are modeling. Is that truly something they're proud of?
The $2.6 billion in funding which would be put in jeopardy if we kept Policy 100 would deplete our stretched budget and create an impossible situation, unless someone has $2.6 billion that they'd like to give to our district. This is a very real and serious concern.
Out of 600 district employees, only 104 signed against sun-setting Policy100 (which is 17%). The community spoke clearly when the current board members were voted in. The parents and community put trust in every teacher, district wide. That trust has been challenged by the choices and behaviors of some of our teachers in our district. I encourage you to remember that this is Hastings School District not the Teachers School District.
I respect and honor all our teachers, believing they do an amazing job and there are immense challenges faced daily. I applaud those who have chosen this occupation. A profound influence as they are molding the next generation. I believe there is a sincere desire that teachers have for their students to be prepared and accomplished to reach their dreams and goals and be the best they can be. This should be our primary directive as teachers and as a community.
I was disappointed in Graham Johnson’s reporting on Policy 100. It was heavily one-sided, seeking out information from one side of the constituents. It'd be wise for him to seek out equal amounts of concerns, comments and statistics on both sides of the aisle if he wants to be a fair, informed and trusted reporter.
Thank You to Directors Carrie, Melissa, Jessica and Phil, for staying strong to their convictions to make Hastings Schools a safe destination school district that many will choose to come to.
Nancy Blanchard
Hastings