We have to keep the music flowing at Como Elementary School

The Constitution’s clear protections

It is clear that teacher Georgia Clark had the right to complain about illegal immigration (Nov. 28, 1A, “School officials to appeal ruling on teacher”). The First Amendment guarantees the right “to petition the government for a redress of grievances” without fear of retribution.

The school board needs to be replaced with citizens who honor the personal rights protected by the Constitution.

- Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford

Georgia Clark harmed kids

I strongly disagree with the decision to give Georgia Clark, the high school English teacher in Fort Worth, her job back. She indeed has the right to free speech and her opinions, but the school district also has the right and duty to protect innocent students from the damage caused by those racist and derogatory attitudes.

Who knows how much damage she has caused students? Public education is dedicated to the idea that all children should be treated as equally deserving of education. Clark can always get a job in a private school.

- Sharon Anderson, Piedmont, California

A strange fight for the school board

Amazing how the trustees of the Fort Worth Independent School District board and the superintendent would rather spend money fighting the First Amendment than educating students.

- Charles Cunningham, Granbury

Keep the kids at Como singing

It makes absolutely no sense to end music education at Como Elementary School. (Nov. 26, 1A, “Fort Worth school district ends Como music program”)

Music brings joy, and music education gives many students a reason to look forward to going to school each day. Likewise, an after-school music program provides an alternative to endless hours on cellphones and video games or roaming the streets looking for entertainment.

Music also ties in with other studies such as math, and it can be a major confidence booster.

Como Elementary is on the right road. The school district and the Goff Family Foundation need to come up with a better plan — one that doesn’t rob the children of a means to increase their knowledge and express themselves artistically.

- Betty Fay, Fort Worth

Redrawing school districts risky

The Nov. 29 editorial, “Fort Worth must lift all schools, not just fight over Paschal,” (15A) about redrawing Fort Worth Independent School District’s school boundaries, brought up some good points but also perpetuated myths.

Yes, Paschal High School is recognized for its programs and accomplishments, and rightly so. But it is not alone, and it is sad that so little recognition is given to other campuses. Nationally recognized programs (Southwest High School’s media technology, for example) and the amounts of scholarship money awarded prove the district is more than a one-trick pony.

Like it or not, boundary change will happen, but rather than moan and groan about what might be lost, parents should look at what might be gained.

- Mark Metroka, Fort Worth

We don’t need to pit state against state

Ryan J. Rusak’s Sunday column, “Blue voters won’t turn Texas into California, if we’re careful,” (5B) about Californians coming to Texas was completely one-sided, assuming that everything about California is bad and all things Texas are great.

This is irresponsible and just creates more political polarization.

- Jody Allred, Arlington

This story was originally published December 3, 2019 at 5:00 AM.