Letters to the editor, April 13, 2024

The public hearing meeting — no discussion or questions permitted — allowed parents, staff and stakeholders to express their concerns to a completely silent board. I was left with the niggling feeling that the hearing was designed to create the (disingenuous) impression public input is wanted and needed.

The common theme from the speakers was the consistent lack of definitive answers to their questions about what is behind these drastic changes. The level of frustration and anger was palpable. Why is there a significant funding shortfall? What happened? Misappropriation of funds somewhere? Why does the “consolidation” plan of Beitel and Spring Creek keep changing without explanation?

The ACSD1 board says it values transparency, but has offered little of it. I asked individual board members and a legislator these questions, and I got the same vague responses.

There is a secrecy on the part of the School Board I find very disconcerting. I have no children at either Spring Creek or Beitel, but I have three grandchildren who attend the University of Wyoming Lab School, which is the School Board’s next target.

Parents and staff are understandably angry, worried and ignored. Students hear the rumors and aren’t sure what will happen to their school. The board doesn’t outwardly appear to be concerned about this. My grandchildren from the Lab School are hearing everything from the school will close altogether to the loss of the middle school grades to the loss of Lab School sports for grades sixth through eighth. They are unsettled and distrustful about the future.

This is grossly unfair to students and families. What is the board’s responsibility to the students and the community? I’m a taxpayer, the School Board works for me (and you) and not the other way around. I expect straight, honest answers to my questions and so should you, before the board takes one more action.

Patricia McDaniel

Laramie

Opposing Rep. Harriet Hageman’s stance on issues

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., feels her party is facing an uphill battle. Instead of looking at the fact that many of their positions are contrary to the wishes of the majority of Americans and verifiable facts, Republicans blame Democrats, using vague emotional terms, unsupported allegations, and threats of violence.

She said that power was “stockpiled” in the executive branch (where dictator, former President Donald Trump wants it) and needed to be returned to the legislative branch. Perhaps the Legislature feels powerless is due to Republican in-fighting, deference to Trump (repeating his lies and conspiracy theories) and focus on gaining power instead of working toward solutions to problems facing the nation.

She refers to transgender issues as “abhorrent” — an emotional term, apparently not bothering to get the facts about sexuality, gender, or treating all people with respect and consideration. She complains about COVID-19 pandemic policy presenting no facts and goes after Hunter Biden even though several investigations have found nothing to implicate the president.

President Joe Biden’s handling of the border is “criminal” — how so — facts please? Republicans got much of what they wanted on a migration bill, but wouldn’t vote for it because they and Trump didn’t want to solve the problem, just use it as a campaign issue — isn’t that neglecting their oaths and duty?

If she is concerned about ethics violations, she needs to work on the inadequate checks and balances on the U.S. Supreme Court — lots of ethical issues there, but they benefit her party, so no accountability wanted there.

When a citizen advocated violence, apparently without benefit of the rule of law, she said she wasn’t “quite there yet,” which doesn’t sound like she rules that out. She wants to hold people accountable, but not deity Trump (despite long legal history, current indictments, liability for sexual assault, defamation and fraud).

Hageman frets about people possibly tapping her phone and being dishonest about USDA microchips. Absent facts, is this paranoia or willful conspiracy theory? The group she touts as opposing NACs has its tax-exempt situation looked into because of lobbying activity. No positive suggestions to save our deteriorating environment. Or control of our bodies, the environment, living wages, equality, peace and unity.

Carol Smith

Laramie