Splitting the Keller school district would turn back the clock on progress and unity | Opinion
Wrong split
The proposed Keller ISD split is the latest destructive policy enacted by the Patriot Mobile-funded, Christian nationalist majority on the school board. (Feb. 23, 3A, “Hillwood to Keller school board: Stop using ‘Alliance ISD’ for new district made by split”) It would represent a modern-day segregation, reversing many years of progress. It is a reflection of our worst impulses, sending the message that only the “right people” belong in the Keller district.
As a member of the Keller High School Class of 2024 and a former speaker before the school board, I am unsurprised by this racist, harmful action.
In recent years, as the board has undermined the community’s unity through book bans and the firing of many school librarians and other district employees, we have lost our sense of dignity and equality. We must demand a school board for all of us.
- Fallon Burleson, Keller
Fund teachers
Texas lawmakers are working toward implementing school vouchers. (Feb. 23, 4C, “We’re Fort Worth educators. Let us tell you how bad vouchers will be for schools”) A $10,000 voucher to parents would help one kid. What if we provided a voucher to every teacher of $1,000 to $2,500, based on grade level and special needs?
This money would eliminate the need for parents to purchase school supplies (helping the vast majority of Texas families) and provide fully stocked classrooms. We could set up regional supply depots as the only locations where vouchers could be redeemed. Any unused funds would roll into that teacher’s account to use the next year.
Families would no longer have to fork over hundreds each August, and teachers could purchase items that benefit the individual needs of each student.
- Laurie Ellison, Maypearl
Duty to Ukraine
I served in the U.S. Army for 31 years. The Soldier’s Creed states, “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Tragically, that is what the president plans to do the people of Ukraine, abandoning them to their invader.
After three years of indiscriminate rocket attacks on civilians and the suffering of Ukrainian soldiers, we can’t just turn our collective backs and walk away. We shouldn’t deny them a place at the peace talks and tacitly agree to reward the Russians with a slice of Ukrainian territory.
This is a tragedy on the scale of the Munich accord in 1938. It is a betrayal to those who look to the United States as a protector of democracy. What is next: abandonment of NATO or Taiwan?
- James D. Patton, Hillsboro
No experience
Few would disagree that government should work more efficiently. But where is the evidence that Elon Musk is the right person to lead this effort, as Mark Davis argues? (Feb. 23, 4C, “If liberals are howling this much over DOGE, Trump and Musk must be doing good work”)
Musk’s slash-and-burn approach comes without appropriate review or understanding of the programs being cut, the humans within those agencies or the possible consequences. People are “howling” because we see chaos, panic and crushed morale.
For Musk to claim legitimacy, he needs to show understanding of the programs he seeks to reform. Careful research before making cuts may not look “efficient,” but by what other path can DOGE prove its legitimacy and build public confidence?
- Holly Gardner, Dallas
Follow Trump
In the chaos underway in the federal government, the problem is not President Donald Trump. The problem is Congress. Members of Congress ought to take on the same willingness to sacrifice in the service of their country, according to their oath of office, as those who volunteer to serve their country in the military service. It is the same obligation.
- Stephen Mosher, Fort Worth
Not humane
The population of feral hogs in Texas needs to be controlled. But why do something cruel — shooting them from helicopters? Would it be too much trouble to simply feed them something to prevent them from reproducing?
- Frankie Andrew, Willow Park