Upholding democracy and accountability within our school board

With an unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and democracy, I am compelled to publicly address and denounce the unethical practices that have recently come to light within our school board.

The recent modifications to policy 9110, which resulted in the removal of the student representative, the investigations into students for exercising their freedom of speech, the constraints placed on public commentary, and violations of the Open Meetings Act, serve as a stark and troubling illustration of these concerning revelations. It is imperative to emphasize that these decisions are dishonorable and unlawful practices, significantly eroding our trust in the school board’s capacity to act in the best interests of our students. It is crucial to underscore that these decisions are not isolated incidents but rather part of a persistent and egregious pattern of behavior. For the past four years, the school district has relentlessly attempted to strip the student representative of their role, only succeeding in the most recent instance. This recurring attempt to eliminate the student representative that has been hidden from the public highlights significant ethical concerns and casts a long shadow on the board's priorities, which seemingly puts interests of the board over the welfare of our students and the fundamental principles of transparency and democracy.

This decision not only fails our students and their parents but also hinders the founding principles that our educational system should uphold. Such actions are not only disheartening but deeply detrimental to our community's educational values and aspirations.

As the upcoming school board elections draw near, it is imperative that our community members take decisive and informed action. We must select representatives, whoever that be, who will confront and rectify these unethical practices, prioritizing the best interests of our students and restoring the integrity of our school board.

This revelation is a wake-up call for our community, urging us to hold those in power accountable and to demand the highest standards of transparency from our educational leaders. It is my sincere hope that these facts will serve as a catalyst for change and inspire us all to engage actively in the upcoming elections, preserving the core principles of democracy in our educational system.

Ben Kolendo is a student and serves as the Student Advisory Board Representative.