I am writing in support of Dean Hill, Donna Gulec and Kristina Paslay for Durango School District 9-R’s board.

I am a native of Durango and came through 9-R in grades K through 12. I now have kids in 9-R. It is hard to believe how the schools have changed since I attended. The decline in math, reading and science scores is troubling to say the least. I am also concerned about the dwindling of vocational curriculum in our schools. We need a positive direction change in 9-R.

Hill, Gulec and Paslay will bring a wealth of experience in education, finance and multicultural relations to the board. They strongly support parental involvement in all aspects of our kids' education. This has gradually been taken away over the years and needs to return.

Hill, Gulec and Paslay stand in favor of transparency within the district, including financial decisions and curriculum. It's our school district, shouldn't we know what is going on and be able to have conversations lasting longer than three minutes?

Hill, Gulec and Paslay are committed to improving academic performance of our kids. After all isn't that what schools are supposed to do? I support them wholeheartedly.

We pay taxes and support bond issues to give the district as many resources as we can in order to teach our kids. Our kids should get a return on that investment. The effect of a poor education lasts a lifetime. Our kids deserve better. Learn more at buildingdurangosfuture.com. Vote Gulec, Hill and Paslay.

Jason Mietchen

Durango