Letter: Reader issues challenge to Carlton, Wrenshall school boards

The Carlton and Wrenshall school boards refuse to make what I see as a responsible decision to combine. Another demonstration of political failure. I sit here and wonder, whose fault is it? Is it the voter, is it the school board, or is it the system?

I think some of each. The voter becomes accustomed to others making decisions for us; we use them to remove our responsibility. School board members bring their biases, prejudices and personal desires to the meetings and then vote based on them (or are strongly influenced by them). Then there’s the system: it wants power and control because those who make the decisions are, of course, the most qualified, right? We elected them, so of course they must have everyone’s best interests at heart.

I believe the boards should act based on our desires, the system should operate based on our desires, and we are responsible for what they do. I am guilty to some extent for allowing the Carlton and Wrenshall school boards to fail in their duty and obligation to do what’s right for the taxpayers and students.

Now, that is the stickler — what is right?

Here’s my vision regarding joining the two districts — team sports do not matter in this decision, economic responsibility and student education are the foundation of this decision — eliminate one school board, one superintendent, and build one top-notch building to serve the needs of the students and community. Combine the teaching staff to provide more educational opportunities for the students. Meet the needs (which for some will differ) versus the wants of the community, and we win. Trim the extra management and put that money into more teachers, better wages and smaller classes. In this day and age our elected officials need to take the biases and age-old conflicts out and make better and more-responsible decisions.

As a newer resident of the area, I fail to understand why these two school boards “will not” overcome old antagonism and bias towards each other.

What is your goal? Teaching children to not compromise, teaching them that people not of your group are inferior, less good or less smart? I believe that is what your decision-making in this instance is teaching. Set the example now, make this happen.

I challenge both school boards to submit to this paper your rebuttal and list 10 logical economic and educational reasons why the two districts should not join.

Trevor Weston

Holyoke