Mailbox for May 7

Letters to Editor
May 7, 2008

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We need to move from adequate to exceptional in our schools

I have been reading recently of the improvements in Greeley-Evans School District 6. The removal of the district from the academic watch list of the State Department of Education, significant improvement in English proficiency, improvement in elementary reading skills, all indicate that the district is on the right track. We all need to thank the teachers and others in the district for this improvement. At the same time, we all need to understand that we have a long way to go. I sincerely hope that the community, including teachers, administrators, board members and parents are not satisfied with our school district being merely adequate.

As a business owner, taxpayer and parent, I think that we all need to help the district move from adequate to exceptional. We need to address the dropout problem to ensure that our children have the basic skills to meet the challenges of their future. We need to focus on occupational skills for children who may not go to college after graduation. We need to provide the tools necessary for educators to adequately teach in our current society. These tools include current textbooks, technology and training for our teachers. As a community, we need to ensure that children who need remedial help will get it and provide opportunities for children who need to be challenged.

Moving from adequate to exceptional will have some costs. We need to consider them carefully, and first look at savings within the existing budget. A mill override is a possibility for additional funding.

I challenge the Board of Education to lead District 6 to its rightful place as an exceptional school district.

Kent Stauffer, Greeley.

Support right-to-work measure

Referencing "Business versus workers: Ritter is part of the rift" April 29.

I cannot believe what union leaders are attempting to impose upon Colorado employers. If those measures are placed on the ballot and passed it would clearly send a message to the rest of the world that Colorado is not a friendly place to do business. It is interesting to note that the right-to-work measure that is mentioned in the article, which is opposed by Ritter and union bosses, would greatly improve the business environment here and protect workers from being forced to join a union and pay dues against their will in order to get a job.

I hope all Coloradans will jump on board and support the right-to-work amendment in November. Just say NO to those initiatives backed by big labor.

Dave Owen, Greeley