Tag Archives: letters

Letters to the Editor – First Amendment Rights

First Amendment Rights (from the Gazette)

Imagine a local social studies teacher assigns an essay. Why does the First Amendment matter right here? In your town, in your high school, in 2023?

You might coach your child that afternoon over your kitchen counter. The First Amendment flings open the door for participation in our own government. It means your voice (yes, yours) matters. It allows dissent to those in power. So it’s the backbone, Johnny, of democracy.

Without that amendment, you’d explain, protests and marches could be squashed by officials or current trends. Members of certain groups could be punished. But how would you tell him about our local school district?

Twice this spring, Woodland Park School District changed their policy, prohibiting employees from speaking about the district to the press or on social media without the superintendent’s permission.

Violation meant insubordination; evidence in the form of strategic staff terminations supports this grievous reality.

U.S. District Court Judge Gallagher recently indicated portions of the policy “do have problems,” and proposed mediation between the teacher’s union and the school district.

Both parties agreed. Yet a response from the school district warned that dialing back the policy would embolden “dissident” teachers in an election year.

Hmm. Let’s look closer, Johnny. Wouldn’t those supporting the district be heard, too? What would the district want people not to say?

You might explain the employees are taxpayers with rights to articulate their views of this government institution. Some are parents, now with no option to speak on behalf of their kids—despite the board’s purported value of parental rights.

During my own service on the Board of Education, it never occurred to the board to censor employees.

Why would we? We can think critically about opinions that we encounter. We can ask for evidence of statements we question.

We conservatives have been focused on teaching the Constitution. And correctly pushing back against what we see as impingement to free speech. How can we specifically support this constitutional right?

The specific policy reasons they must “create and maintain a dignified and professionally responsible image for the school district.” Perhaps our students would ask us about board members who speak freely without any ability for staff to rebut their views, even with facts. And perhaps image-driven

motivations should concern us less than created space for truth, integrity, and the value and freedom of every voice.

We must ask our kids, “In a democracy, are only those in powerful positions allowed to speak freely?” Johnny, when it is stifled, we must ask: for what purpose?

Carol Greenstreet
Woodland Park

Letters to the Editor – Educators with limited resources

Educators with limited resources (from the Gazette)

Oh, absolutely! Let’s not “reverse course!” In case you missed it, we already did.

Better I guess to “go forward” to a 19th century educational model. Or…let’s all be reactionaries and go back to the early and mid 20th, when “the Greatest generation” and the “Boomers” came of age. The same septuagenarians and octogenarians that succeeded, slammed the door in everyone else’s face, and twisted American culture into what it is today now want to pass the blame for it onto educational institutions. They’ve been doing this since the ‘80s.

Kids’ social media addiction didn’t come from a classroom. They watched their parents. Everyone likes to quote Mark Twain. He also said, “always obey your parents, when they are present.” It’s not educators who send kids to school hungry, mal-clothed, psychologically traumatized, “weak” with “feelings,” or any of a number of other pathologies that would discomfort you to experience even once, much less daily. Yet, always, the educators everywhere do their best to take care of them with limited resources while experiencing ill-intentioned political headwinds.

It’s not a shortcoming of the schools to adapt to the times, especially when they primarily have the kids’ interests at heart. Maybe what you need to get through your coon-skin hat, is that the world beyond your “trespassers will be shot” yard sign has changed and always will.

If you think “counting change” is the metric, just wait until you hear about AI singularity, quantum computing, autonomous robotics, digital surveillance, and more. Teaching kids to fear the future and that they’re already victims of it isn’t helping them.

Andrew Pappadakis
Woodland Park

Not a Good Start to the School Year | Guest column | Pikes Peak Courier | gazette.com

If the traditional schools are fully staffed (or close to it) and in great shape, why did my first grader’s class size jump from 16 to 30 this year?

How is this the best education for my daughter when her class is so big and loud that she comes home with headaches to the point we bought noise canceling headsets so she can concentrate on schoolwork – while in class?
— Read on the Gazette

9/6/2023 Letters to the Editor

From the 9/6/2023 Courier:

Grassroots support for school board candidates

Which candidates are the choice of the parents and taxpayers in Teller County for the RE-2 school board? Interesting question. Looking at each of the candidates’ publicly available contributions, Barkley, Bryant and Knott each have over a hundred local donors while the incumbents have just a handful. Events put on by Barkley, Bryant and Knott are wildly successful with turnout from community members from across all walks of life…a nice representation of our community. Collectively, the new candidates have raised over $30K, mostly from local parents and taxpayers. What an impressive grassroots effort for three parents wanting to remove partisan politics from the school board.

Looking at all the candidates’ data, the incumbents appear to be beholden to a small group of big money donors while Barkley, Bryant and Knott appear to be beholden to the families and taxpayers of the Woodland Park School District as a whole. What’s also interesting is the number of teachers that feel safe to have their contributions publicly reported for the incumbents. Begs the question, would there be more teacher donations to Barkley, Bryant and Knott if there was no gag order or concern about retribution if the incumbents win in November? Who do you think represents our community more? The choice seems clear to me.

Elizabeth Douglass, Florissant

FACT CHECK – did the teachers union supply vans to the challengers?

Marvin Logan wrote this in the 9/6/2023 Courier Letters to the Editor:

Big omission

I want to believe Seth Bryant but his words do not ring true. Calling the Teachers Union support he, Barkley and Knott received in his column a “website login” while leaving out the Teachers Union also supplied him and the other candidates “platform vans to perform canvassing and communications scoping” is a big omission. Who helped him knock on doors in those Teacher Union supplied vans?

The Teacher Unions in this country kept our children out of school during Covid 19, and wasted years of their education on indoctrination efforts.

They’re one organization I would not want support from if I were running for school board as a conservative, but he and the other 2 have accepted their help anyhow.

Marvin Logan, Woodland Park

This highlights just how crazy social media is these days, especially the online platform Nextdoor, where Marvin and other have been quite vocal in their anti-union rhetoric.

But to the point – this is FALSE. ‘VAN’ is the computer system the candidates were given access to, a voter database that helps them more efficiently target their outreach efforts like door to door canvassing. NOT this:

Letters to the Editor – August 9th, 2023

From the August 9th edition of the Pikes Peak Courier:

No longer volunteering against

I’m a working mom to two kids under three. As any parent knows, free time at this stage is hard to come by. But after wrapping up my workday and navigating the nightly ritual of dinner, playtime, and bedtime routines, I take up my other role: campaign volunteer.

For months, I’ve dedicated my cherished free time to the school board campaigns of Keegan Barkley, Mike Knott, and Seth Bryant. I admit that at first I was volunteering against something: against the incumbents’ cronyism and self-interest; against my kids being the guinea pigs in some experiment; against being locked out in the freezing rain at what should have been a public meeting.

But after getting to know these candidates deeply and personally, I find myself volunteering for something:

I’m volunteering for Keegan, whose HR background and keen ability to spot the root of a problem will return the board to respectful disagreement and ethical conflict resolution.

I’m volunteering for Mike, whose honesty and discipline give me confidence that every penny of the district’s resources will be spent with intention and care.

I’m volunteering for Seth, whose thorough understanding of local issues will ensure the board meticulously considers a variety of creative solutions to any given problem.

I’m no longer volunteering against the wrong people for the job. I’m volunteering for three public school parents who I am absolutely convinced are the right people for the job. Please join me in supporting Keegan, Mike, and Seth for the school board this November.

Sarah Voget, Woodland Park

Letters to the Editor – August 2, 2023

From the 8/2/2023 Courier:

Spirited, partisan debate is nothing new in our country. Nor are constructive differences of opinion about issues, policies, values, and election outcomes. But I want to join those Teller County voices that are brokenhearted by how our conversations on social media platforms like Facebook pages and NextDoor, our comments in public meetings, and even when we confront each other in stores or the park, now sound like we are demonizing and dehumanizing anyone who thinks differently than we do. The tone of dialogue is tinged with sarcasm and snarkiness with a dash of “holier than thou.” Whatever happened to love your neighbor as yourself?

I absolutely love this town, and I cannot accept that we are moving toward becoming a divided, combative, and self-destructive community. It has to stop! Let’s work to reverse this trend. Let’s call on our Teller County leaders, our neighbors, and ourselves to transform our attitudes and our debate. We don’t need to agree with each other or compromise our own deeply held beliefs. But we do need to reclaim our ability to have constructive and civil conversations, and maybe even find common ground in our shared humanity.

We’re witnessing a real-time, rapidly widening fracture in Woodland Park. Each one of us either contributes to the problem or can become a part of holding Teller County together.

Becky Darrow, Woodland Park

Thank you for your exquisite piece of journalism entitled “Woodland Park Woman’s Acquittal Brings Vindication.” The article demonstrates the power of what Edmund Burke called the fourth estate to bring truth to the people. We in Teller County are truly blessed to still have a real local newspaper.

Ed Biersmith, Divide

Couldn’t help but notice David Illingsworth had one hour and fifteen minutes of “… had no involvement of any kind with the police investigation, charging decision or prosecution of the case …” advising the arresting police officer how to escalate a misdemeanor charge to a felony. Really? No involvement? For one hour fifteen minutes?

John Capaci

I was greatly disappointed to read that the Woodland Park Police Department would allow themselves to be influenced by a prominent public official on whether to bring charges against someone reporting a possible crime. What happened to “If you see something, say something?” Does this mean if I call the police to report suspicious activity, that I could be charged with felony false reporting if it turns out to be nothing? This series of events shows a disgraceful lack of credibility for the Police Department. I am a 30-year resident and am thoroughly disgusted.

Leslie St. Onge, Woodland Park

Letters to the Editor – June 21, 2023

Some letters to the editor from the June 21st Courier:

Illingworth explanation inaccurate

David Illingworth’s depiction of the 5/10/23 WPSB meeting was inaccurate and incomplete.

I was one of a handful of teacher/student supporters inside the building. Here’s what really happened. Board supporters were first at the door and let dozens of people to the head of the line. Fox news reported about 100 people from Charis Bible College showed up exhorted by Andrew Wommack and one Charis person interviewed said she received a message from a Board member to attend.

When Mr. Illingworth said there was heavy attendance due to NBC News presence “… and organization by well-known activists whose goal was to swamp the meeting …” he was referring to his supporters organized by Charis and the Board.

Citizens have made numerous written requests to the Board to have the meetings in the auditorium because overflow areas were needed. The Board has not responded. Overflow people were sent to the Commons area therefore could not feasibly attend public comment if chosen. The alternative was to stand in the rain. The meeting ended, the room emptied and the NBC reporter wanted to speak with attendees who had been outside.

As I left I mentioned this to security and the door was slammed shut keeping the people out in the rain longer. They were eventually let in. This is another example of the despicable behavior of this Board and its total disregard for the community. New candidates have stepped forward, Keegan Barkley, Seth Bryant and Mike Knott. Remember to vote in November.

Gail Gerig, Woodland Park

and:

State teachers union does not control WPEA

As former president of the school board, I hope to add historical perspective of what has and has not happened in WPSD.

Local staff living in our community make up our WPEA. For the last decade plus less than 50% of our local staff and teachers enrolled, but WPEA has listened to and represented all staff interests in district conversations. In no way has the teacher’s union “controlled” our district, but they have contributed to the district: Without collaboration and compromise, there would have been walkouts several years ago when their pay was the lowest in the region, going several years without increase. They remain dedicated to their focus on educating our students.

Most of the union members and employees do not fit a radical left-wing progressive stereotype. I know teachers Republican and Christian who are members and non-members. As in any profession, you will find representatives from a diverse perspective–one of the wonders of America!! Let’s stop vilifying our teachers and community—which has led to the loss of many high-quality educators and staff.

Keep it local. Get to know our teachers and staff members, rather than state and the national narratives. Show your dedication to the children of WPSD by building relationships that listen.

Carol Greenstreet, Woodland Park

and:

We all want the same basic things

The divisive/polarization of our community leads to poor solutions. Livable solutions are found near the middle. Folks on extremes won’t like middle-solutions, but middle-solutions are most acceptable to a majority of free society.

We all want the same basic things: living peacefully in our homes, providing for our families, taking care of widows/children/infirmed. We want government to be nonintrusive yet help when essential (like roads, policing, national security), to stay out of our wallets as possible, out of our medicine cabinets, and out of our bedrooms.

We can agree on many things, whichever side you support in the current conflict with WPSD. Everyone wants schools where children and young-adults feel safe and nurtured. Everyone wants the traditional values of true-kindness, hard-work, excellence, factual-honesty, respectful- accountability. We don’t want anyone to be bullied or singled out as too different. These are faith-values, and also human-values.

If the WPSD Board would take time to truly listen to all community members, show the leadership required to find the direction that most could agree with, acknowledging that all parents want what is best for their children, much of the division might be ended.

As the current board members seem to want to make WPSD a test case for fundamentalist-like doctrine directed toward “christian-nationalism” for most schools, seemingly uninterested in middle-ground-solutions, a new, less-radical, less-divisive school board is necessary. We can come together if necessary with proper new leadership be you conservative or liberal in November.

Toni Moore, Libertarian/Republican voter, and Rodney Noel Saunders, Liberal/Democrat voter, Woodland Park

Letters to the Editor – June 14, 2023

Here are a couple letters to the editor from the recent Courier:

Local teachers know and reflect the values of our community

In the May 31 Courier, an article titled “Colorado teachers union adopts anti-capitalist polemic” was included. Our local teachers association, WPEA, has a 40+ year history of working collaboratively with the school board for the betterment of both students and educators, amicably and productively. All our work is focused on local education issues, our local students, and Woodland Park teachers.

When CEA released its resolution regarding capitalism, WPEA members collaborated to release our own statement, May 9th: “Recently, the delegate assembly of the Colorado Education Association released a resolution regarding capitalism. The Woodland Park Education Association, which is made up solely of local teachers and school employees, is governed locally by its own elected board. WPEA does not support the CEA resolution as it does not reflect the values of our members or our local community. We support and benefit from our local economy. Our schools are supported through our local sales tax initiative, which was passed with strong support in 2016, and was the result of a collaborative effort between our school board, teachers, parents, and community. As an association, we are focused on working to create the best possible schools for our students and the educators who work tirelessly to support them.”

I encourage our community to talk directly with Woodland Park teachers to learn about this issue. Students, parents, teachers, and the school board working together, and listening and learning from each other, is the best hope we have for continued growth and success for our students.

Nate Owen, WPHS Teacher and WPEA President (source)

Also, a guest column:

Change happens. At age 16, my friend and I worked as maids at the Wishing Well Motel in Crystola. In the afternoon we would ride our horses up the pass and tie them up at the only place in town to get a soda. We knew everyone’s name and everyone’s story. Needless to say, Woodland Park — and all of Teller County — looks very different today.

Growth and modernization is inevitable. It’s a change I can live with. What breaks my heart is the enormous change in how we treat each other. Senior citizens in Teller County all remember a time when we had no clue about other people’s politics. We based our friendships and actions on shared interests and shared needs. When we engaged in family feuds or fought over local issues back then, it was using our own “inventive venting” often followed by a joint effort at a common solution.

I believe what I see happening in our community today is something new and pernicious and divisive. Today’s feuds are fought in Letters to the Editor, over Facebook pages, on Next Door, and at community board meetings using media-generated phrases coined by conflict entrepreneurs because outrage sells. It feels like we’re creating a climate based on “winners” and “losers”. Tribalization will not only stand in the way of relationships; it will stand in the way of progress.

Surely, I can’t be the only person who is both sad and scared by the polarization that has come to our community.

I can’t be the only person who is tired of seeing the same names and the same name-calling. I can’t be the only person who is frustrated by what appears to be a total lack of desire to work together or to really listen to one another.

I desperately want to believe there is a silent majority of Teller County residents who are disheartened by all the invective. A silent majority who hunger for respectful dialogue rather than diatribes whose only impact is to further polarize us. A silent majority who believe that there is a place for respectful listening and productive compromise. And likely we’re also the exhausted majority — fed up with the craziness and ready for something else.

It’s time for us to stand up and speak out. Let our friends, our neighbors, our community organizations and our leaders know this is not who we want to be. That we demand respectful and concrete dialogue that’s solution-oriented and focused on the uniqueness of our local issues., using personalized and productive conversation rather than language provided by national pundits with their own agenda. Let’s show that we’re out here and let’s work to depolarize Teller County. If we don’t, we will all lose.

A nation divided against itself cannot stand. Neither can a community.

Billie Donegan (source)