Apathy & Inattention Have Consequences

Editor,

  The Warwick Valley School Budget and School Board Election Vote is on Tues., May 18.  Warwick is a large town, but unfortunately only a small fraction of eligible voters (including parents of kids currently enrolled) ever turns out to vote.  Apathy and inattention have consequences, and in our current climate of polarization and distrust, these consequences could be dire.  

You need only to have followed recent newspaper ads, letters and articles to know that there is a very vocal group whose goal is to prevent any “indoctrination of liberal ideas” into our schools. This encompasses equity and tolerance teachings and the idea that black lives matter (which they deem a terrorist group).  In pursuit of this goal this group has encouraged its members to run for the school board (and likely other local boards and offices).   As a former school board member, I can tell you that a lot of damage can be done to a district by people who have these kinds of agendas.   Google “rogue school boards” for examples.  

  This is no time for complacency.  It is imperative that those of us who value equity education that respects all students vote in this election.  I believe we need to be vigilant in our efforts to repel racism and bigotry from our schools and our town.  

I would like to urge you to vote for the three incumbents:  Lynn Lillian, Sharon Davis, and David Eaton.  I know them personally and know that they, as well as all current members of the Warwick BOE, are committed to addressing the equity issue we face in our schools – as evidenced by the hiring of equity consultant Dr. Gess Leblanc.  We need to be united against hate and to support efforts to see our population’s growing diversity reflected in our educational programs.

SUSAN MILLER