To the editor:

In the past few months, I have seen a lot of letters to the editor asking the school board candidates where they stand on certain issues. These are great questions that give more insight into how the candidates will work on how to school our children.

The incumbents were asked one question regarding their position on teaching sexual orientation to children in grades K-3; this happened in the early spring of 2022 and still not a peep from them. It is a simple yes-or-no question. If they cannot decide how they feel about an easy question, I cannot imagine them making a sound, rational decision about our children’s future.

The candidate I am voting for will fight for ALL kids, no matter their race, religion, sexual preference, etc. This candidate believes there needs to be changes to get politics out of schools and concentrate on our children’s academics. New Ulm has a great graduation rate of 94% in 2021; however, the MCA proficiency levels for science, math, and reading are 50.2%, 50.5%, and 51%, respectively. So just over half of the graduating class of 2021 are proficient in these three basic subjects. My candidate would like to see these numbers increase dramatically and will do their best to turn the focus back to teaching our children basic academics.

I have also seen many questions about the challengers’ experience with regards to being qualified to be a school board member. I noticed the incumbents say that their time on the school board is why they are more qualified to be a member of the school board. However, when they were initially elected, how much experience did they have? None or minimal? Preparing a budget and approving expenditures for a school district is a bit more complex than preparing a family household budget. My candidate has experience with preparing budgets, financial statements, approving expenditures, preparing income and sales/use tax returns and assisting with audits of multi-million dollar for-profit and non-profit companies.

I have also noticed that it appears as if the three incumbents are running together as a group, and it is their ideas and leadership that have contributed to the 50% proficiency level of MCA test scores. I feel it is a time for a change in order for these proficiency levels to increase and better prepare our children for the real world.

I may be biased, but having a child currently enrolled in this school district, I want what is best for my child, and that is why I am voting for Jo-ell Flitter on November 8, 2022. I know she would appreciate your vote as well. Remember you are NOT voting for a group; you are voting for the best individual who aligns with your beliefs and morals.

Burton Flitter

New Ulm