Election letters
Arlington board
Dig deep before endorsing Arlington school board incumbents.
Test scores haven’t improved much, teachers have been mistreated and left the district in droves and employee surveys rate many principals poorly.
In a recent debate, two incumbent board members responded arrogantly and sarcastically to valid questions.
We need a board that’s about kids and teachers, not a bunch of governor wannabes.
— Fred Gregory, Arlington
As a former teacher with 25 years in the Arlington district, my opinions should have some merit.
The current board has some upstanding members, a newsworthy strategic plan and a bond election they’re proud of, but teacher morale is at an all-time low.
I’ve met the three candidates running against incumbents, and they’re the real deal. They will bring fresh ideas, accountability, transparency and clear communication.
Please vote for Maryhelen Bronson, Polly Walton and Kristen Hudson for the Arlington board.
— Robyn Gregory, Arlington
As an Arlington school district teacher and principal of Wood Elementary School for more than 30 years, I’ve always been proud of our board.
It has been ethical and is respected locally and nationally, and it has resolved challenges in a productive and collegial manner.
Electing board members who embody these virtues has been consistent.
Our community has made great decisions in electing school board officials. Aaron Reich is running for re-election.
His passion, compassion, integrity and respect for our community are assets to our schools.
I encourage you to vote for Aaron Reich, who will continue to make a positive difference for the Arlington school district.
— Sandy McNutt, Mansfield
Three school board members are being challenged by competent, motivated individuals. Those of us involved with the district know why.
Rumblings of dissatisfaction are growing among teachers and parents. A number of mid-year vacancies remain vacant. Parents feel the district is unresponsive to concerns. The handling of recent departures of a talented high school teacher and a beloved elementary principal has caused many to question the integrity and transparency of the district.
The district’s “Achieve Today. Excel Tomorrow” strategic plan is to become a premier school district. Yet, the report summaries indicate Arlington students score below the state average including the disadvantaged. And the scores are declining, not improving!
The bond package will provide tremendous new facilities. But new buildings alone do not make a district outstanding.
The Star-Telegram recommendations failed to evaluate the merit of each candidate, and chose instead to consider the incumbents as a group. The ability to work well as a group is great, but it doesn’t necessarily prove one has the skills to ensure the board isn’t a rubber stamp for the administration.
— Debbie O. Moore, Arlington
I’m an elementary educator in the Arlington district, and I urge Arlington residents to vote for Maryhelen Bronson for school board Place 3.
Maryhelen has served many years in the district. She has leadership experience, passion and dedication that would be assets to our district and the many families that are looking for leadership to navigate the rapidly changing landscape.
Maryhelen has demonstrated in her years as a teacher, mentor and leader that she has the qualifications that will meet the needs of this school board. I trust that she will help lead this wayward school district back in the right direction.
— Amy Robbins, Arlington
Letters
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This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Election letters."