I write to help “unmask” the extremist slate of three candidates (Richard “Dean” Hill, Donna Gulec and Kristine Paslay) seeking to take control of the Durango School District 9-R board.
Though they present themselves as “independents,” they are, in truth, pursuing a right-wing agenda to undermine our public schools. All three have recently – and proudly – been photographed with Rep. Lauren Boebert. In fact, Boebert’s former treasurer is this slate’s registered agent. Kristine Paslay publicly denounced mask policies last week. On Facebook, Donna Gulec is appalled that LBGTQ students would be given support by teaching staff in 9-R. Dean Hill is a paid minister at an evangelical church, which affirms that “laws should be upheld, except when they are in opposition to revealed word of God.” This video shows him denouncing the separation of church and state: https://bit.ly/3iZwrhp.
Sources in Aztec where Hill taught report that he publicly regretted teaching science, as it was “inconsistent with his church’s beliefs.” He was hired as superintendent in Bayfield, though he was terminated within a year reportedly for “anger management issues directed at staff.” How would Mr. Hill reconcile his religious beliefs and honor his role as an elected board member for 9-R? Will this trifecta attempt to dilute 9-R’s curriculum honoring science, diversity and fact-based history?
The slate has created its own misleading slogan, “Building Durango’s Future,” while their actions and statements promote tearing us further apart. I urge voters to reject this divisive “slate” and vote for the mainstream alternatives.
Michael Hudson
Durango
