Durango School District 9-R intends to ask Durango taxpayers for a $90-$120 million bond. As a former 9-R teacher and taxpayer, I believe there would be more support for this if we actually heard about the good things happening in the 9-R schools.
Teachers and students are why the district exists.
Through the Herald, I know more about what students are learning at Animas High, Ignacio and Bayfield than at 9-R. Bayfield and Ignacio students are honored weekly but not 9-R students.
Lunch-shaming, sports scores and cellphone bans are the most recent news about 9-R. Rarely is there an article about what’s happening in any district classrooms.
The district employs two people in communications at the cost of $122,148 this year. Maybe they do a fine job of informing parents of classroom happenings, but if the district wants money, inform the taxpayers about the exciting learning taking place in our classrooms.
Recognize and honor the students and fine teachers. Then maybe the bond has a chance of passing.
Sandy BielenbergDurango
