Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor | Time for a change on the school board
As an educator of fifty years, I delight in watching how easily children can learn to be accepting, loving and kind. It is profoundly moving to observe how thrillingly eager they are to learn about the wonders of the world they will soon inherit.
Because I feel so proud and protective of young people, I am hoping my neighbors here in the Peninsula School District will not re-elect our incumbent School Board member, David Olson. Mr. Olson, who last year ran for the Superintendent of Public Instruction and was soundly defeated, is back yet again running for the school board seat that he has held for 12 years.
Mr. Olson has allied himself time and again with the designated right wing extremist hate group, Moms for Liberty, and has set an ominous agenda for our students. He opposes diversity; he has even bragged about his cancelling of DEI training (without even allowing public comment). He has stated that America would be better off if Universities closed. Racism in our schools is common knowledge, and in the news, and yet Olson’s denial of inclusivity and critical thinking hangs an anchor around the necks of our students. We don’t need a school board member that is taking orders from a small group of noisy bullies. Moms for Liberty members are known for banning books, strongly anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, harassing teachers, and even quoting Hitler in a newsletter.
His opponent, Jonathan Appleton, is a candidate who is determined to celebrate all of our youth and help keep our learning environment dynamic and safe for students, parents, and faculty. Jonathan is also a parent with children in the school district and understands the needs of our children, parents and teachers. His professional experience in consumer finance, and his extensive volunteer work speak to his leadership qualifications. Jonathan is proudly endorsed by the Peninsula Education Association and many community members. After 12 years straight of David Olson on the school board, it’s time for a change. Let’s keep our community warm, welcoming and wise.
Nora Eckstein
Gig Harbor