We are lucky to have Aaron Rosander to guide our school district until June. He is bright and talented and I appreciate that he stepped into a difficult position. However, when it comes time to choose a future school superintendent, I sincerely hope the board will choose Dr. Atwood.

Dr. Atwood is a true community leader. He has proven during the 16 years with our school district that he knows that students are the first priority. He respects and understands the unique needs of our rural district. He’ll write grants, do presentations, meet with state leaders, whatever is necessary to get funds for our district. He does that for the middle school and he’ll do it for all our schools. He’ll fight for our kids because he truly cares.

On March 4, two job reclassifications were passed by the board. The principals of Lake Don Pedro Elementary and Mariposa Middle School, two large schools with teenagers, may become teaching principals. It was explained that this would only be enacted if other cost saving measures were not sufficient to meet the tight budget. The board also agreed to cut 15 teachers. This means we’ll have packed classes. And possibly schools with principals who are too busy teaching to quickly handle discipline issues. As a parent, I’m very worried that our students won’t be safe.

Is this the best we can do? Let’s have Bill Atwood be the one to help us decide. Please e-mail or call your school board member and let them know how you feel.

Marita Dietz