Editor:
I’m disappointed. I’m saddened. I’m frustrated. The more I think about what could happen here in our district the more I feel like I’m going to throw up. I know there are board members fighting for our youth and for their educations. I know there are those fighting for our youth and their opportunity to have exposure to activities that matter, activities that can change the world for the better.
The elected board is charged with the responsibility to ensure the retention, growth, and quality of education our youth receive. However, I’m often left wondering, what exactly is the legacy they wish to leave behind? The decision is yours. Not a decision for one individual in their capacity as Superintendent or otherwise.
As many know Wendy and I moved our kids to Encampment when we felt, in our perspective, that some of the Saratoga administration had chosen to make sports more important than education. Cloaking their motives in the excuse that they were doing it for academics. The decision of the board members at that time to allow some communities to decide if they wanted to shorten the school week created some added expenses for the district. For example there was a time for a while that we had a Saratoga bus, and an Encampment bus driving by our house, when only one was needed. They have since worked that kink out, but expensive I’m sure nonetheless. I realize I do not fully understand the district’s budget, but it seems simple to me that if there are budgets that need trimmed, it is absolutely absurd and lazy to just start with programs that are so beneficial.
I openly plead the school board to reevaluate whether cutting funding of arts, music, vocational programs and others is the legacy they wish to leave.
It’s been said that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
If you’re on the school board and happen to be reading this and if for some reason you do not feel like you have the strength to stand as a voice for our children please remember your fiduciary responsibility as one elected by the voters of this district. And please know that those of us that feel these programs are of great importance stand beside you in defense of the future education of our children. We will support you, and stand honorably beside you.
Thanks for listening,
Respectfully,
Byron Barkhurst
307-329-7007
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