LETTER to the Editor

Waits and Gergen for re-election

To the editor, I taught in the Hastings School District for 26 years, and also had the privilege of being a member and President of Education Minnesota Hastings, representing our district’s teaching staff. I am also a Hastings resident and taxpayer supporting our schools.

I worked with school board members Scott Gergen (for six years) and Kelsey Waits (for two years), sometimes during difficult conversations and negotiations. I know Scott and Kelsey to be forthright and respectful. They take time to learn about complex issues, ask appropriate questions, and balance many factors in order to come to well-reasoned decisions.

Open and honest discussions that are grounded in respect and trust are of paramount importance for our school board. The school board is responsible for meeting the needs of our entire student and staff population. I’ve witnessed the commitment put forward by Scott and Kelsey, and I have incredible respect for the work they are doing. These are exactly the kind of school board members we need in Hastings.

I write to endorse both Scott and Kelsey for re-election and hope you’ll join me in voting for them.

Julie Malm Retired Teacher and Former President of Education Minnesota Hastings

Don’t forget to vote for Waits!

Dear Editor, As educators, parents, former school board member, coach, athletic director and long-time community members of Hastings, we have a great understanding of the type of individuals who should be leading our district as a school board member. These individuals should have at minimum the following qualities in order to be an effective school board member including; having all kids’ best interests in mind, being knowledgeable in the workings of a school district and how it functions, as well as being a problem solver, skilled listener, honest, open minded, respectful, logical, collaborative and able to work as a team. Kelsey Waits embodies these characteristics and has proven to be a school board member who is able to lead effectively and has done so for four years. We need to keep highly qualified people leading our district in office versus adding individuals who are driven by their own agendas and lack of understanding of what is best for students.

Join us in voting, on November 2nd, to re-elect Kelsey Waits to continue as a school board member for ISD #200 for four more years.

Pete and Angie McGinnis Hastings, MN