Our schools are letting kids down. Per test results, around half of Durango School District students are not proficient in reading and math. That’s not impressive. We are told it’s the test that doesn’t give an accurate picture. So, is the message don’t trust the test? Then why waste time and money taking it? I believe every parent would agree that all our children should be proficient in the academic basics we are paying for. We shouldn’t have to settle for less.
Instead of focusing on academics, the board has spent over $200,000 on DEI programs and continues to push social engineering, gender ideology and politics. None of these initiatives help a child solve math problems or improve literacy. They are costly distractions that divert financial resources.
In 2020, I warned this board that COVID-19 restrictions would fuel a student mental health crisis. Sadly, that prediction came true. Now, instead of listening to parents, the district silences concerns and hides documents. Parents must use open record requests and pay for what should be our public records. Parents should have access to all information, excluding personnel information. Transparency is not optional, it’s necessary for trust.
Our school board is supposed to be non-political, yet incumbent members openly campaign alongside partisan officials. Politics have no place in schools.
Parents, please vote for change. Vote for a diverse school board. Put academics first. Respect parents. Stop wasting resources on politics. Our kids deserve schools that teach them, not programs that divide us.
Jason Mietchen
Durango
