Respect and calm needed for school resolution

I am fairly new to town and have found La Conner to be a very accepting and friendly town. Therefore, I find the events over the spring and summer between the school board, members of the community, the teachers’ union and the school superintendent very disturbing. To me it is a microcosmos of what is happening across the country. People are making decisions from a place of ramped up emotions while having incomplete or inaccurate information, creating great division and animosity.

My life experiences have taught me the truth usually is somewhere in the middle. My biggest hope is that all participants will calm down, approach each other with dignity and respect and work together to do what is best for the children, all of the school staff and the community.

I was appreciative of Ken Stern’s comments. I don’t know if a formal investigation is necessary, but I do agree with the point of finding out the core truth and facts of the situation. At this time, the information available to most people is incomplete and more emotional than factual.

I also appreciate Connie Milliken’s letter. Change is difficult. Fingers are being pointed and blame placed but to date we have only heard from one side. The school board has been frustratingly silent. The superintendent finally this last week was able to release a letter. As this situation/conflict comes to a resolution, the end result may be much better than anyone imagined!

Marty Pease

La Conner