To the editor:

Last week I attended the ISD 88 school board meeting. It was very interesting and VERY eye opening to say the least.

I strongly encourage every ISD 88 taxpayer to attend the Sept. 23 meeting. It’s a chance for you to hear the board members speak and their stances. Before the events of the last 18 months, I never really thought these positions mattered all that much. Boy was I wrong.

Just a recap. Those that voted for mask CHOICE were Waloch & Schiro. (Gag was also CHOICE but was absent, so no vote). Those that voted AGAINST CHOICE were Ringhoffer, Groebner, Sunderman, and Dewanz. These are ELECTED positions and should be voting on what us the TAAXPAYERS, their constituents want. If you were at the meeting you would have seen the majority of those attending wanted CHOICE and over 800 signed petitions for CHOICE was also presented.

It was stated many times how difficult this decision was for the board members. Then why not do a survey for the PARENTS and let them decide like they do with sports. See Criteria For Adding or Eliminating Activities for ISD 88. Section III Procedure A. Student Interest Survey.

I think it would be very beneficial to all if a Q & A time was allowed at these meetings. E-mails sent to the board with questions go unanswered so I feel a public Q & A would be beneficial for all.

I find it disheartening that there were people that attended this meeting that were upset that the Pledge of Allegiance was said. I guess it normally is not recited at these meetings. Why not? I recall saying it every day in school, that is how we would start the day. Reading the policy book it states that the Pledge only has to be said once a week. Once a week! Policy Book: The Pledge of Allegiance Policy #531 Section II.

I feel we need to BRING BACK THE PLEDGE daily!

The school board meeting should be online on the District’s Website. I encourage you all to watch it and see and hear for yourself what was said.

This all starts at the local level. And now is the time that EVERYONE needs to be involved for the state of our future. Time to get involved locally. PLEASE attend these meetings. Find out about other associations and commissions that our city funds with our TAXPAYER money. Where exactly are the funds going? You may be surprised just as I was to find out that those yard signs given out at the Bavarian Blast Parade NO JUSTICE NO PEACE… were funded and paid for by the city taxpayers!

Please GET INVOLVED before it’s too late.

Lisa Fischer

Courtland