To the editor:

Last February, my fellow Hastings school cafeteria workers and I took to the streets to demand fair treatment and better working conditions. Our strike wasn't just about better wages; it was about safeguarding the future of our students by protecting our standard of living. As a devoted cafeteria worker who has served our students for over four years, it’s clear to me that school boards should prioritize the protection of the workers who make our schools possible.

That’s why I’m supporting the candidates our union has endorsed for the ISD 200 Hastings School Board: Matt Bruns, Mariah Ring, Matt Seeger, and Brandy Wentzler. Our work is about nourishing young minds and bodies. It's about creating a positive and nurturing environment where students can focus on their studies without worrying about hunger or the well-being of the people who serve their meals. When we feel secure in our jobs, we can better focus on our responsibilities, leading to a more stable and reliable workforce in school cafeterias. Students deserve a consistent and caring staff to provide their meals.

We are a part of the community. Our kids are right next to yours in the lunch line. When school boards invest in workers who are part of the community, it builds an environment where students and staff can thrive, and our city is stronger because of it.

I urge the people of Hastings to prioritize this election and support candidates who value workers like me in our schools. Vote for a school system where workers are empowered, and our kids get the best education experience possible.

Early voting has already begun, so when you cast your vote in the upcoming election, remember the cafeteria workers who struck for a brighter future for our children.

Sara Rapp