When your ballot arrives for the Durango School District 9-R board election in early October, I urge you to cast your vote for Kristinia Paslay. She has by far the best qualification to serve District A.
Paslay earned her bachelor's degree in Native American and Indigenous studies from FLC and also holds an associate’s in paralegal studies. She has served as a tribal court advocate and mediator.
Paslay is a grandmother of eight, including five multicultural grandchildren, and will devote her attention to making sure federal funds earmarked for multicultural programs are being appropriately disbursed and used. In addition, she is committed to improving 9-R's sharp decline in math, science and reading scores, which show that almost 80% of our students are below grade level. 9-R's low graduation rate of 74% is also of her concern.
Paslay wholeheartedly supports reviving vocational programs, which have been basically defunded, for students wishing to join the workforce.
9-R is fortunate to have Karen Cheser as our new superintendent, and we need a new proactive board that will work with her to address these issues and provide a vigorous plan on how to engage both students and parents who have sadly been left out and neglected by the current board.
Paslay has shown the commitment to serve with integrity and the knowledge to serve well. Our 9-R students, parents and teachers deserve Kristinia Paslay.
Jackie O'Karma
Durango
