The importance of unity in USD 112

My focus of this letter is in response to the Aug. 16, 2021, board meeting and direct comments made during that meeting that encouraged me to share my observations and beliefs I have had over the last several months. I was very disappointed to hear of the recent USD 112 School Board’s decision on the CPHS and Hoisington softball agreement. I was a member of the configuration study group and one of the main emphasis that the group had and shared was the importance of unification of the district. You, as a board, had a chance to lead by example and you failed. How are we to be a unified district if our board of education doesn’t stand behind the concept. This is seen in many of the actions, votes and comments made by the members, not only in the last board meeting, but throughout the last several months.

When the agenda item for the CPHS and Hoisington softball agreement was discussed, board member Jacob Charvat spoke about possibly combining the CPHS and the WHS softball/baseball programs since Wilson will be implementing a program this year instead of further enabling diversity. Specifically stating, “We are always talking about unity, wouldn’t this be a perfect opportunity.” This was met with comments from all board members and what I had hoped would be inspiring comments of uniting our two schools/communities; instead I was quickly reminded of the segregation we face.

Board member Josh Hurley began his comments by stating he agreed with Mr. Charvat’s comments then he followed by he, “didn’t feel like it was the best time.” Really? If not now, then when? How long will you continue to hide behind that familiar excuse, now is not the best time? This was followed by a 20-minute speech made by member Tony Zink where he repeated himself multiple times saying and I quote, “I just don’t want to surprise the parents.” How much advanced notice do parents need? There wasn’t much notice of the volleyball combination last year and I believe the season went incredibly well. We had to adjust, yes, but as parents that’s what we do. We make adjustments for our children. By doing so not only teaches them the importance of looking positively at a, at the time, less than desirable situation but it can drastically change the outcome and experience.

It was after Mr. Zink’s remarks that I heard, “the kids were so close to a state championship last year, I’d hate to jeopardize it this year,” made by board member Tamara Dody. Ah, there it is. The motivation behind what I believe to be one of main issues dividing our district. Competition. This was even further substantiated by board member Brad Schiermeyer’s comment, “they [Hoisington] rely on us.” Why should you, as a board, worry about what Hoisington needs over what a school in our own district does? I’m not saying Wilson needs or doesn’t need the numbers, my point is our district should be priority and it is clearly not.

It was no surprise there was a motion made and seconded to accept the agreement and the votes counted as:

Zink (rural Claflin) – Yay, Hurley (Bushton) – Yay, Dody (Claflin) – Yay, Rogers (At-Large / Holyrood) – Yay.

I also want to point out that by definition ‘At-Large’ is the position that represents the district as a whole, not just the area in which they reside. This is a very important and difficult position to have as you must be clearly objectionable. I think this often gets forgotten, no matter who holds the position.

Charvat (Dorrance) – Nay, Schepmann (Holyrood) – Nay, Schiermeyer (Wilson) – Abstained.

Abstaining means that the individual has the ability to cast their vote but chooses not to do so. Within a quorum, abstaining from a vote is effectively the same as voting “no”.

During discussions at the Sept. 13, 2021, Board of Education meeting, board member Tamara Dody says, and I quote, “you got to, you know, have the most expensive thing is JH/HS kids, athletics and extracurriculars and all of this stuff. We have got to combine this stuff.”

You recall you just voted against combining a program the month before. How are we to trust you will do right by this district if we can’t trust you to be consistent with your message? Also, in listening to the comments made by Mr. Zink at that same meeting he summarized some of the items in the Configuration Study report as being a nonrealistic solution for longterm viability. I would like to point Mr. Zink to page 4 in the final report where it states, “The group did feel strongly that many recommendations should be implemented regardless of the configuration selected and those can be found within the Strategic Plan Themes that are found on pages, 19-23 of this report.” And on page 6 of the report it states, “While the group did not have one definitive solution that solves all the challenges that the Central Plains school district is facing, there are several components of this report that need to be implemented to realize some efficiencies within the district, which in turn frees up resources for improving educational opportunities for students.” These components are those “non-realistic” scenarios, he spoke about. I encourage you to sit-down with representatives from the Configuration Study Group and hear in their own words the vision that was put in the report. Encourage an open dialogue between the group and board.

All of us, patrons, board members, study groups, have had this discussion countless times. The configuration group focused many of our conversations on the matter of unification, bringing our communities, family, kids and of course schools together to work alongside each other to give our children the best education and support we can. This was an opportunity to take that first step in a long journey to do so and you pushed it off once again. What example, what message are you sending for the future? It’s time to be the board that everyone in this USD 112 district elected you to be. You can’t hide behind excuses and fear of ‘surprising’ someone. You know what needs to be done, each one of you stated during the meeting that we needed unification, so what are you waiting for? Thank you to Mr. Charvat for speaking up and raising the issue. We must start somewhere, and you, as our board of education, missed a perfect opportunity to step up, to show you believe in creating a truly unified district. We may be multiple towns with multiple schools, but we are ONE district.

Thank you,

Kayla Cullens

CC: USD 112 Board of Education

Freedom of speech is for all, not just some

Dear Editor,

Although I personally do not know Jerry Marsh I respect his insight into civics issues. He has earned this through his many years of hands-on teaching government.

The I/R Aug. 19th edition included an in-depth article about an Aug. 2nd town hall meeting attended by Congressman Tracey Mann and 50-60 people. Mr. Marsh was clearly prepared with questions about contradictions between what the Congressman talks about and his actual voting record. Amazingly, the other guests confronted Mr. Marsh instead of being interested in hearing the truth of the matters.

I have tried to let it go, but remain stunned at this attitude. It underscores that today people prefer to live a lie they like rather than deal with facts. Increasingly the world thinks Americans have become a joke. What a future to leave for our children.

Susan Clough

Ellsworth