To the editor:

The opportunity to vote is a privilege and honor that we have in this country. Elections are an invitation to critically consider the direction that an organized body of leaders has enacted, then use our voices, whether to further support or make a needed change. 

 There isn't a more important place to flex our voting muscle than electing those who make decisions that affect our children's education in our community, which, ultimately, effects all of us, no matter our age or place in society.

My family arrived in Hastings almost 40 years ago. Our 4 children graduated from the Hastings Public School District which, at that time, was the 5th in this state of over 330 districts. Each of their graduating class's valedictorians carried the 4.0 GPA and scored in the high 30's on their ACT's. Today, we do have children who are graduating with a 4.0 GPA, but their ACT scores are only breaking 20!

This is highly concerning to me, along with the fact that only 50% of our students can read at grade level or above. These are the children we are responsible to educate, and they will be the surgeons, dentists, pilots, etc. in the very near future, whom we will all be relying on. 

I know we have intelligent children in our district, but if we do not challenge them to learn to their potential, then we are holding them back. It is critical that we offer all children educational challenges that match their level of learning and need, meeting them where they are at but not leaving them there.

Our school district is known statewide and nationally because of our excellent music programs and impressive athletic achievements. I desire Hastings district schools to be known for and excel in academic performance at least as much, if not more, than the arts.

I'm a music teacher and fully believe providing a well-balanced education integrates and makes available to all both the arts (which to me includes sports) and foundational subjects—those that are basic to our understanding of life and ability to live well in all ways (language, math, history, and so on).

All children deserve the best education we can offer them but that does not include political views and agendas. Learning of past ones is history but introducing ideals that encourage distance within families is completely wrong, in my opinion. Do we really want to nurture distrust in the thinking of the children who will be running our businesses, offices and in leadership positions in the coming years? I sure don't!

There is a fight for our children occurring across this country and throughout the world—a battle for their individuality and critical thinking, and an agenda that desires control over their minds and choices. I'm unwilling to sit still and let that happen.

I encourage you to vote this coming election for the individuals that you agree with, to vote them onto the school board who are ready to fight for our community and children.

Please read, research and vote.

I'm Nancy Blanchard and I'm running for the School Board.

Vote and let your voice be heard.

Nancy Blanchard