The recent Durango 9-R School Board meeting revealed a troubling lack of transparency, disregard for parental rights and failure to maintain neutrality as the district faces declining enrollment. With only 10 speaking slots filled by 4 p.m. and a line forming at 3:30 p.m., working parents had little opportunity to participate. Additionally, our elected State Board of Education Representative for CD3, Sherri Wright, arrived at 5:15 p.m. and was denied entry due to room capacity restrictions despite identifying herself at the door.
The district secured a $150 million bond in the last election cycle, yet it lost 775 students – 15% of its enrollment – this past year. Why are taxpayers funding expansion while enrollment declines? More importantly, why are students leaving? Could it be that the district’s policies no longer align with community values, leading to the alienation of students and families?
The resolutions adopted last night permit LGBTQIA2S+ Progress Pride flags in classrooms while banning other political symbols, raising concerns about neutrality and fair representation of all viewpoints. They also allow students to join Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) groups without parental consent, excluding parents from important discussions about their children.
Schools should prioritize academics, ensuring resources support student success rather than ideological agendas. True inclusion must extend to parents, ensuring they are not sidelined in decisions affecting their children. By selectively allowing certain expressions while restricting others, the board risks legal challenges and deeper division. Parents and taxpayers deserve transparency, genuine inclusion, neutrality and an education system free from political bias.
Kelly Hegarty
Durango
