Public schools were the great social and economic leveler for the last century of American history; Republicans want to end that and instead advantage wealthy children over their lower-income peers, particularly those whose skin is darker than Trump’s spray tan.
Public schools (and free college) made it possible for America to produce an explosion of invention and innovation throughout the mid-20th century; now other countries are surpassing us, as the dumbing-down of our kids has become institutionalized in Red state after Red state.
Monthly Archives: December 2023
2023 Review: the Colorado Times Recorder’s School Board Coverage
Through the year, the Colorado Times Recorder dedicated significant time to covering school board elections around the state. Here’s a look back at some of that coverage.
Letters to the Editor – 12/27/2023
From the 12/27/23 Courier:
Against American Birthright Standard
After listening to a recent televised interview with WPSD board member Mick Bates promoting the American Birthright Standards, I can see why the Colorado State Board of Education has rejected that manifesto.
While promoting the ABS, Bates said; “We’re going to look at the true history of this country.” Continuing he said, “One simple example is, yes, we had slavery, but we were the first to get rid of it. It’s a long story but it’s a good story. It’s a positive story because we ended slavery and I want our children to get the real history and education about America, this great country.”
Yes, we are a great Country, but the United States was far from being the “first” to end slavery. In fact, we were one of the last. And it took the deaths of 620,000 soldiers to abolish it. Enslavement ended here only with pro-slavery forces going down kicking and screaming the whole way.
As a former student of WPHS over 55 years ago, I can only hope that our children are not indoctrinated by what I feel is a John Birch type of system that is promoted by some who subscribe to a fairy-tale time where White Anglo-Saxon Protestants were the dominant force in America. That faction, in my opinion, has one thing in mind, take America back to 1950, where some are kept in the back of the bus and others in the closet. And those cantankerous females of today, back in the kitchen.
Steve Plutt, Lake George
Gaslighting the new normal?
In January’s school board meeting, Rusterholz spoke about transparency going forward, healing the divide. Already, however, named board roles, policies and money spent outside the county were decisions moved forward without Barkley or parents. A key school leader was fired without explanation. I’d like to know how Barkley was included in that decision made a full two weeks after she took her oath?
How is this transparent? Is Gaslighting the New Normal?
No incumbents stood up for parents or students during the campaign. Instead, calling students parents’ puppets, teachers the enemy, and candidates were mislabeled union puppets. Barkley was called a lame duck the day after she was elected.
None countered media that misrepresented challengers, all accepted Republican party money, aligning at public events despite boards being apolitical.
Illingworth harassed parents by name online, calling them liars with no evidence.
Before the election, Bates called a locked-out board crowd rabble-rousers instead of addressing the community of parents and teachers displaced by religious folks instructed to line up early. When I talked with strangers standing near me if they had children or grandchildren in the schools, the occasional Merit parent said yes. I asked others why they were there – “I was told to be here.”
Meanwhile, inside, religious people prayed from the microphone and scolded the heathens in the room, depriving actual parents their monthly 3-minute voice.
How is this transparent, humane, or anything but gaslighting? I remind this board that nearly 50% of citizens voted against this behavior.
Trina Hoefling, Florissant
Thank you to Kevin Burr
On December 15th, Woodland Park School District Central Office released Kevin Burr from his position as Principal of Woodland Park High School. In their announcement, no reason was given, nor was Kevin’s name even mentioned. As a parent of a junior at WPHS who has felt supported by Mr. Burr, I was left feeling very disoriented and disappointed. I would like to take an opportunity to thank Kevin for his accomplishments at WPHS since 2018. Some highlights include:
An increase in WPHS SAT scores every year for the last five years
Expanding our course offerings with a cybersecurity series and criminology series (supporting a law enforcement track)
Significant growth in college opportunities at WPHS. Kevin wrote a grant that allowed four of our teachers to get their Masters degrees so that they could teach college level courses at WPHS in math, science, english and social studies. He built partnerships with UCCS and Pikes Peak State College which allow for concurrent enrollment opportunities
Increasing career opportunities where students are graduating with industry certificates in culinary arts, welding, graphic design, and computer science
Keeping students in school and accountable through the COVID 19 pandemic
US News and World Report recognizing WPHS as one of the Best High Schools in Colorado in 2022/23
WPHS receiving a Level 1 Certification from Marzano High Reliability Schools for a Safe, Supportive and Collaborative culture
Thank you, Kevin, for supporting academics and also our athletics and arts programs. Thank you for making WPHS stronger.
Khurshid Rogers, Woodland Park
Is the Elizabeth School District the next Woodland Park?
the Elizabeth School District, which shares many similarities to Woodland Park, where the school board’s policy changes earned national news coverage and sparked multiple lawsuits, is primed to become the state’s latest example of far-right ideology taking over public education.
— Read on coloradotimesrecorder.com/2023/12/is-the-elizabeth-school-district-the-next-woodland-park/58495/
Garfield Re-2 Board President steps down over ‘political climate’ | PostIndependent.com
There has been a whirlwind of responses after ABS was proposed for Garfield Re-2, including a local effort to recall May from the board. The recall effort comes amid emails obtained through open records requests revealing Fletchall and May requested ABS guidance from the Woodland Park District. Woodland Park, northwest of Colorado Springs, voted to incorporate ABS and has since then seen 40% of its teachers resign in protest.
New Castle resident Steve Beaulieu said during public comment that Woodland Park’s ABS incorporation has turned into a “dumpster fire” that has become a “flaming disaster.”
— Read on www.postindependent.com/news/re-2-board-president-steps-down-over-political-climate/
Woodland Park High School principal let go
Parents this afternoon received an email from the district (see below), announcing the immediate change of leadership in the high school. No mention of the now-former principal Kevin Burr was made, only that the assistant principal would be assuming interim principal duties. No details have been provided to the public, and this was not a topic of discussion in the board meeting this past Wednesday. For a school board and administration like Woodland Park has these days…it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to us to see moves like this. But I wonder…what prompted this, and what’s their next move?
Woodland Park, CO – 12/15/2023 – Woodland Park School District announces new leadership at Woodland Park High School effective immediately.
The school district recognizes the importance of stability and continuity for students, staff, and parents. In light of this, Assistant Principal Cindy Gannon, who has been an integral part of the school’s leadership team, will assume the role of Interim Principal for the remainder of the current school year.
Gannon has led in Woodland Park High School for 15 years and brings 26 years of experience in education to this role. She is committed to maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. The school district is confident Gannon is well-equipped to lead Woodland Park High School as the district determines long-term leadership for the school.
Superintendent Ken Witt stated, “Woodland Park schools are committed to a laser focus on the academic success of our students while always honoring parents’ rights, recognizing the trust our parents place in Woodland Park School District to educate their children without undermining the values of the home.”
The district is committed to supporting Gannon in her new role and ensuring a smooth transition, maintaining a positive environment keenly focused on the academic success of every Woodland Park student.
Rob Reiner drops trailer for documentary on Christian nationalism – al.com
Director Rob Reiner dropped a trailer this week for his upcoming documentary, “God & Country: The Rise of Christian Nationalism,” which critiques the mixing of right-wing politics and Christianity.
“Christian Nationalism is not only a danger to our Country, it’s a danger to Christianity itself,” Reiner tweeted on X, as he released a trailer for the documentary that he said will open in theaters in February.
— Read on www.al.com/life/2023/12/rob-reiner-drops-trailer-for-documentary-on-christian-nationalism.html
Conservative LGBTQ+ group supports book removal from El Paso County schools | FOX21 News Colorado
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Conservative groups have submitted a petition urging a criminal investigation into the El Paso and Teller County schools over the possession and promotion of what they term “obscene books.” This move has sparked a response from members of the LGBTQ+ community who advocate for the removal of these books from […]
— Read on www.fox21news.com/news/conservative-lgbtq-group-supports-book-removal-from-el-paso-county-schools/
‘It’s Make-Believe,’ Colorado GOP Hears from Authors of Monument Academy’s Transgender Policy
Colorado Rep. Don Wilson (R-Monument), attorney Brad Miller, and Monument Academy Board of Education President Ryan Graham discussed conservative
— Read on coloradotimesrecorder.com/2023/12/its-make-believe-colorado-gop-hears-from-authors-of-monument-academys-transgender-policy/58252/
Coming soon to Woodland Park?
Groups call for criminal investigation into El Paso County schools for ‘obscene’ books | KRDO
Groups call for criminal investigation into El Paso County schools for ‘obscene’ books | KRDO
— Read on krdo.com/news/2023/11/28/groups-call-for-criminal-investigation-into-el-paso-county-schools-for-obscene-books/