LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Five candidates are vying for two seats on the Valley City School Board. After studying Damian Johnston’s interview in the Times-Record and his responses at the VCEA-sponsored candidate forum, several concerns came to light. I’d like to highlight three.
First, Mr. Johnston doesn’t demonstrate an understanding of the purpose, responsibilities, or operational needs of a public school system. When asked about his own educational experience, he said his entire education consisted of homeschool instruction, and then touted his political bona fides as chair of the SE Chapter of ND Young Republicans. Homeschooling is a valid choice, and no doubt budding political skills have been honed in the NDYR, but neither is preparation for running a public school district. In a homeschool setting, a single entity - the parent – controls all decisions from curriculum to student population (their child), and is free to teach their personal religious and political beliefs. This could not be more different from a public district which is designed to (1) meet the diverse needs of all the community’s children, and accept all students regardless of ability, disability, religion, cultural background, political ideology, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation, (2) choose curriculum designed to ensure a high quality free and appropriate education for all students, and (3) teach the core tenants of all major world religions and political ideologies without infusing personal views or bias.
Second, Mr. Johnston’s talking points are raising test scores and increasing parental oversight. But when pushed for explanation, he is unable to interpret the data or explain the meaning behind state test scores, seems unfamiliar with the tests themselves, and provides exactly no ideas how to raise scores. Educators and parents know that a test score is only a snapshot of a student on a particular day. A more comprehensive view of student learning includes graduation rates, college and career readiness, and how our proficiency levels rank among the state and nation (we are above average in both). VCHS also offers the most dual credit options of any ND high school, providing more VCHS students the ability to graduate with several completed college credits. As for increasing parental oversight, Mr. Johnston says parents should know what is being taught each day and should make curriculum decisions. He cannot, however, explain how this is logistically feasible. Good teachers make real-time decisions based upon real-time evaluation of student progress, and that means changing plans as needed. Parents already have full access to state standards, curriculum, assignments, grades, and teacher feedback. Teachers are available by phone, email or in-person meeting. Processes already exist for parental input when choosing curriculum including statewide committees and voting for local school board representatives. The level of parental oversight Mr. Johnston advocates is more conducive to a homeschool setting, and he admitted as much at the candidate forum.
Finally, and most concerning, Mr. Johnston seems unaware of what is and is not taught in our public schools. He’s quoted in the T-R, “I think we need to get back to the basics of education.” He cites check writing as an example; in fact he describes it as “one of the most basic life skills, in my opinion.” He may be surprised to learn that since 2012 state law requires all high schools to provide a financial literacy course that includes writing a check. In other words, he wants to “return” to basic skills that are already taught. Now, contrast that with what he says we need to stop teaching: “we need to stop teaching our children that boys can be girls and girls can be boys.” Again, he may be surprised to learn that, “teaching children that boys can be girls and girls can be boys” is not part of any VCPS curriculum. This comment exposes Mr. Johnston’s cynical political motive for seeking this nonpolitical seat. By purposely targeting a minority student group he communicated his goal of attacking current and future LGBTQ+ Hi-Liners. Those LGBTQ+ Hi-liners are our children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews, siblings, friends and neighbors.
Before we vote we must ask ourselves: What kind of community are we? Are we comfortable targeting certain children because of perceived differences? Are you comfortable with that for your child? Is this the reputation we want for our schools? Do we believe some kids deserve marginalization and harassment? I hope not. Do we want thoughtful, measured leaders who bring experience, knowledge and ideas to the board? Leaders who care about the wellbeing and progress of ALL our kids? I hope so. Before you vote I encourage you to read each candidate’s T-R interview, and to watch the candidate forum located on NewsDakota.com.
Amy Martineck
Valley City, ND