For Cañon City School Board of Education, I support Matt Alexander, Graceann Pittner and Tom Wenzel.
This is because I believe they have demonstrated willingness and ability to be forthcoming to parents and teachers about their concerns about curriculum or students who are below grade level in learning.
At this time, with advance approval, people can speak to the board in regular meetings, however, the board members do not respond to concerns — no question-and-answer period is allowed. After attending several board meetings in the past year, I do not see any change in this position.
Please vote for Alexander, Pittner and Wenzel.
See the link to one concerned parent who recently spoke to the Board. Fast forward to minute 40 for her presentation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xuakCjmvU0
Minutes and videos of all meetings are available on the BOE website.
Brenda Burkett,
Cañon City
Misinformation being spread by candidates
Because so much is at stake for our children in this school board election, I must address the misinformation spread by some candidates.
Alexander has made unfounded statements, suggesting that board members fail to perform their duties by not asking the tough questions essential for governance. He frequently cites a specific meeting, where he claims everyone remained silent during the presentation of achievement results. However, in that same meeting viewable online, board members asked numerous probing questions and the superintendent discussed efforts to improve results.
Our current school board makes tough decisions and operates with transparency and professionalism, so Alexander's assertions are entirely untruthful.
"We the Parents" alleges that the district's transgender policy seeks to exclude parents, but parental involvement is mentioned 15 times in the short document. The policy ensures that all students can request safe and non-stigmatizing alternatives, such as privacy partitions or nearby private spaces. Additionally, all students have access to single-stall bathrooms. As a parent myself, I do not support school board members who seek to intentionally misinform constituents.
If elected, these candidates have expressed their intent to implement drastic changes. Alexander opposes The Pulse school-based health clinic, a valuable resource located at the middle school that serves all students and staff but is especially valuable to families with limited access to medical care. They can easily access sports physicals and same-day care for ill children. The Pulse's presence contributes to decreasing absences, which is imperative for student learning.
Wenzl dismisses positive school culture programs as "junk" and "clutter." These programs address daily issues in our schools. For example, CCHS has successfully implemented a bullying prevention program led by the Student Youth Advisory Council, fostering a positive atmosphere for all. Importantly, no extra burden is placed on teachers because the students plan activities, deliver content, and supply all materials.
"We the Parents" have expressed a desire to intervene in almost all decisions made by teachers, with Pittner suggesting the installation of classroom cameras for micromanagement. Such actions could lead to a loss of our best educators and negatively impact the quality of education. It's crucial to understand that school boards set policy, while teachers teach.
I am casting my vote for Valladares, Meuli, and Reeser, and I encourage you to do the same. They understand the vital role of a governing board in setting policy and ensuring its implementation, prioritizing the well-being and education of our children.
Patty Witkowsky, Ph.D.,
Cañon City
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