To the editor:

I was pleased to see the response to my previous letter to the editor asking for people to consider running for ISD 88 School Board. It is through the process of opposing views and public debate that our constitutional republic continues to be the best form of government. I would like to personally thank all those who filed for the election. Being a public servant requires much commitment and is not easy.

At the April 2022 School Board meeting, a petition was presented to the board. It stated: “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual or gender identity is not appropriate in kindergarten through at least grade 3, and therefore any such instruction should be eliminated from those classrooms as soon as possible.” Those presenting the petition requested current School Board members, acting as individuals and not members of the board, to publicly declare agreement or disagreement with that statement. To my knowledge, not a single current board member has replied to date.

Perhaps now that the campaign is underway, the time would be right for at least the incumbents running for reelection — and the new challengers — to answer this question. Having had four months to respond, it would have been nice for all board members to answer, but, oh well, probably not going to happen. Typically, The Journal interviews the candidates for the School Board, and gives them an opportunity to express their views shortly after the filing deadline. I would hope that this question would be on the short list of questions asked of each candidate.

Paul Platz

Lafayette