I am disgusted by the recent opinion pieces from a small group of vocal, yet vastly uninformed, community members, primarily retired teachers, who are attacking the school district about legislation. Aren’t they barking up the wrong tree? Is it so difficult to see that these are laws, and that if you are concerned about the laws around standards, assessments and evaluations, that you should talk to your congressman or state representative?

These issues are not unique to Durango. They affect every single school district in every single town in every single state.

Our community, instead of partnering with the school and coming up with local solutions to implement these mandates, is quick to criticize school leaders and teachers when they try new things – especially when the new things don’t work.

Revolutionizing education is no easy task! But anyone with common-sense should know that, nationwide, our schools are not performing, and to keep doing the same thing and expect different results is naïve. It will continue the downward trend in student proficiency and success.

Is it so unacceptable for school districts to take risks, make mistakes, learn and grow? Aren’t we all in this together with the goal of reaching academic and social success for all students in Durango?

People are vocal now, but where were they two years ago when the conversation started? Let’s try to be productive, work together and see what the big picture is, and who is really doing the wrong. Recent opinion letters accuse 9-R administration of instilling fear and intimidation in staff. That is not what I see. I see teachers who are being innovative, embracing the change, trying new things and finding success! Yet, they are afraid to speak of their successes and to share their positivity for fear of backlash and intimidation from their peers.

It’s time to stop playing the blame game and get involved in the conversation in a productive and collaborative way. We expect our children to display character and professionalism at school and in the community; it is time we expect the same of adults.

Robert Snider

Durango