Lakeland Needs a Board That Doesn’t Give in to Fear, Cynicism
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
I am the proud parent of two children in the Lakeland Central School District. Before our children were born, my wife and I relocated to this community, with the schools our future children would attend being our highest priority.
I love this district. The teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, building administrators and support staff are an incredible and dedicated group of professionals who work tirelessly to provide all children with a safe and nurturing environment in which to learn and grow.
It is for these reasons that I am saddened and disturbed to watch this district be torn apart by misguided individuals and groups, driven by and propagating a campaign of misinformation to pursue their own regressive political agenda.
They claim Lakeland is implementing curriculum and policy based on Critical Race Theory. This is a red herring with the goal of spreading an irrational fear that our schools will be used to indoctrinate our children with a radical world view. As with all red herrings, this propaganda has no basis in fact. In reality, Lakeland has fallen behind many neighboring districts in addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as part of district policy and curriculum.
Even more unfortunate is that this small but vocal group has successfully curtailed the process of simply investigating what this district may need to do in order to best support our children, faculty and staff. They have been emboldened by a rudderless school board that lacks the courage and leadership to support a DEI program they initiated. This process is essential to ensuring that no student in the district is marginalized.
Our schools should be havens where faculty and staff are given every possible resource to support the needs of all students. Our schools should be where children are given the tools to enter the world as compassionate citizens and critical thinkers. Sadly, Lakeland is on a path toward further marginalizing the most vulnerable in our community.
As a parent and taxpayer, I not only expect but demand schools provide my children with a comprehensive education, reflective of the real world they will face. Lakeland is at a crossroads. We can bow to cynicism, fear and propaganda or we can stand up for all children, their teachers and the faculty and staff that support their education and development.
This is by far the most consequential Board of Education election since my children entered the district. Never before has it been more important to show up and vote. And through the fog of social media chaos and keyboard courage, a distinct group of candidates has emerged as the best and only choice to move us forward. These candidates have been endorsed by both Lakeland RISE (Residents in Support of Education) and Teach the Truth.
In the short time since they announced their candidacies, each has demonstrated a willingness to listen, a commitment to represent all students and the temperament to serve as trustees. These candidates are Joe Ascanio, Paul Edwards, Chuck Monsanto and Laura Perozo. On May 17, I know who I will be voting for, and I hope you will join me.
Daniel Wright
Cortlandt Manor
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