The candidates featured on the “Building Durango’s Future” website are better suited for reality TV than they are to serve on an actual school board.
The candidate from District E does not proofread her information (either that or we all “ack communication from the schools,” which is like a “Cathy” cartoon). The candidate from District C does not believe in the separation of church and state. Whereas the Constitution prohibits the government from establishing a particular religion, the courts have determined that public schools are an “arm of the state” and thus can do nothing to hinder or promote religion. If elected, the reverend would be breaking the law by continuing with this train of thought.
And, lastly, these candidates are asking people what should be taught in schools; another flagrant foul because the Colorado Department of Education determines what should be taught in the schools by the Colorado State Standards. I understand that these candidates are unhappy and feel like they should be taking a stand and making a difference.
But there are only three viable candidates for the school board: Erica Brown, Rick Petersen and Andrea Parmenter, supported by the Durango Education Association and the Durango Education Support Professionals Association. They have experience, knowledge and a deep caring for what happens in our schools. As someone who has spent 25 years in all aspects of education, I know they are the right people for the job. Please vote to maintain evidence-based learning in our school system.
Leslie Goldstein
Durango
