Fremont County is large, diverse, and filled with opinions, or “talk in the 10.” “Talk in the 10” is an opportunity for you, our readers, to articulate and share your thoughts about what is happening in the community with the community. Letters may have been edited for clarity and length, but generally have been published exactly as received. The views expressed in the following are solely those of the author. Send your letters to our editors by emailing opinion@county10.com
(Lander, WY) – I read Scott’s opinion piece in County 10 with great interest.
It is my opinion that a school board trustee is perhaps the most challenging elected office. And perhaps, the most important elected office.
Scott is correct when he says that “In Wyoming, school boards are nonpartisan bodies. When candidates run for positions, they do not run as Democrats or Republicans.”
I would add nor should they be considered conservative or liberal. It should not be an US
versus THEM election. It should be a WE election for our kids’ education.
I am concerned that the Lander school board election has become so divisive, that the goal of providing the best for our students, staff, and families has been lost in the division.
Scott’s opinion piece quickly launched into an attack piece, trotting out talking points seemingly designed to deepen this divide. Far left versus conservative (far right?).
Most of his talking points echoed points heard from far-right tropes in other states and
promoted by “far right groups”.
This has no place in Lander WY. What we do need is school board trustees that are focused on Lander issues, Lander students, Lander staff and Lander families.
It is my opinion that some of our current trustees enter controversial conversations with their minds made up and are more interested in defending their ideological beliefs than listening to understand.
They seem to fail to consider other points of view and the needs of our students in coming up with decisions that are in the best interests of Fremont County School District #1.
This seemingly rigid, no compromise, black and white thinking is a disservice to our kids.
As an educator for 40 years, most of those years in Lander, I have worked with many school board members. I believe there are some common characteristics of a good
school board member.
And these are important as we choose our trustees in this election.
- A person of good character
- Approachable
- A person who listens to learn
- A person with a vision for improving our schools and a passion for education
- A person willing to do what it takes to hire and retain great teachers
- A team player who works well with others
- A person who considers all sides of controversial issues and will be flexible enough to reconsider their position.
- The ability to compromise and build consensus
- A person who genuinely believes: Every Student, Every Day!
“The highflyers, And
the kids who struggle.
The athletes and kids who participate in extracurricular activities,
And the kids who do not.
The kids who are invisible
The kids that are on the margins
The kids that do not fit and seem different.”
Please VOTE. It is critically important. But please do not vote right or left. Vote for the
candidates that will keep FSCD#1 a great place for kids and who have a vision to build
a strong future.
Linda Hudson,
Lander