To the editor:

A response from our superintendent of schools was printed the day after another letter pointed out that incumbents running for School Board have failed to answer a question directly asked of them.

Superintendent Bertrang assured us that he (and we can assume he means also the board with which he works) recognize their responsibility to “make sure all students have…supports necessary to be successful in school.” Everyone sees that as a laudable goal.

Assurance was given that “we are not teaching classes such as critical race theory and LGTBQ+.” That’s good to hear. However, no one, including those who’ve expressed critical race theory/LGBTQ concerns, have asserted there are actual classes taught on these subjects. Instruction can be done in other ways — through bringing the CRT/LGBTQ tenets into the classroom in a variety of subjects, introducing the use of pronouns, referring to gender matters when explaining rainbow-colored eagle buttons, in counseling, etc.

The question still remains unanswered by candidates running for the board: Is it appropriate to have instruction for K-3 children regarding gender identity and sexual orientation, or should this be left to parents?

The superintendent explained the purpose for professional development sessions. He said they “provide…a better understanding of the students and families we support…” However, when a Longview trainer states from the outset that certain matters are “undebatable,” that shows a lack of support for conscientious, caring parents who have differing views.

Bertrang stated that “every student matters and deserves … caring adults to help guide them…” All students regardless of whether they have mental health, cultural, gender, disability, poverty and homelessness issues, along with those who have been blessed to be free of these issues, should be given an equal opportunity for an excellent education in our school district. Our educators should equip them as individuals to reach their full potential, while leaving instruction on gender identity/sexual orientation to parents.

In education, all students and all parents matter always. In November voters will choose which “caring adults” will best guide the futures of every student in our school district for the coming four years.

Mary Thom

New Ulm