Supporters of an effort to recall Jefferson county school board members Ken Witt, John Newkirk and Julie Williams deliver petitions at the Jefferson County Courthouse earlier this year. (Denver Post file)
Re: “Jeffco recall effort should be rejected,” Oct. 14 editorial.
I agree that political recalls should not generally be used for disagreements over policy. But your editorial ignores the real reason that Jefferson County school board meetings have been packed for two years and that parents and students have led this grass-roots recall effort. It is the lack of transparency and respect the board majority has shown for parents, teachers, and their two fellow board members.
The limited space for this response does not allow a full discussion on the trend and real turnover numbers for teachers in Jeffco, including the loss of some of our best teachers. But it is these numbers that are working against the highest-priority policy objective of all good boards — building consistent, trusted relationships among teachers, administrators, parents and our students.
Jennifer Hazell, Golden
This letter was published in the Oct. 18 edition.Your editorial showed the truth about the Jeffco school board recall and why it should be rejected.
As you noted, “A pay plan for teachers that rewarded highly effective and effective teachers more than partially effective and ineffective teachers … provoked an outcry by the union and its allies.” In addition, a “funding plan for charter schools” also provoked the union and its allies.
As the last paragraph stated, accomplishments such as these have been obscured by the relentlessly heated rhetoric that has afflicted board meetings for the past two years. But they do speak to the fact that this recall is over policy, and thus out of line.
Beth Ratcliffe, Arvada
This letter was published in the Oct. 18 edition.A recall vote is not a bully pulpit to challenge political party nuances. It is meant to stop immoral choices and/or intent to impede the will of the people. The electoral process of recall protects constituents from years of self-serving political power mongers. This recall election is a brave choice indeed.
A board of education protects the well-being of students, directs the business of a school system, envisions the future, advocates for students and values of the community, and encourages parents’ and veteran board members’ opinions.
The Denver Postap editorial sadly projects a bias that clouds the issues. It ignores behaviors such as using system e-mails for re-election purposes, advocating alteration of history lessons, ejecting sitting board members from closed meetings, and blocking opposing opinions. The caustic shenanigans of this immature leadership are antagonistic to their duty. As taxpayers we must protect the well-being of the students and parents.
Marti J. Smith, Arvada
This letter was published in the Oct. 18 edition.
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