To the editor:

Since signing up to run for one of 4 open school board seats, I have been completely baffled by the bizarre accusations I have been reading about me in letters to the editor and on social media. I’ve been accused of everything from not supporting the arts and music programs to being endorsed by “extremist groups”. These statements have been written by people that have either never met me or met me in passing.  Either way, the statements they have made are false. 

To be clear for everyone, I believe in making Hastings public schools the best option around. I think we do this by focusing on academic excellence, to best prepare students for life after high school and to attract families into Hastings. We need to have robust programming available for students, so they can grow in what areas excite and ignite their passion for their future career paths. We need to support our teachers in the areas of discipline, training, and staffing, in order to reduce frustration and burn-out. It’s also critical that we do everything possible to reduce the number of students opting out of Hastings public schools in order to secure the district’s future from a financial standpoint. I think strong partnerships between parents, teachers and students are essential for student success overall. I have a deep desire to move our students, our teachers/staff and our district forward!

I urge everyone to take a moment and get to know me at an upcoming meet and greet, or, send me an email at melissamillner.isd200@gmail.com to ask any questions you may have. Follow me at www.facebook.com/melissamillnerISD200/ for meet and greet dates. Please do this versus relying on other peoples’ opinions on who you should be voting for. You'll see I am a person who wants the very best for all of our students in district 200!

Melissa Millner