Dear Editor,

Over the past few years, many in our community have called for greater accountability and transparency in School District 51. One significant step in that direction: The district/taxpayers no longer pay the teacher’s union president’s salary! That position is now funded entirely by union dues – not taxpayer dollars. This was a longstanding concern for many, and it’s a concrete example of fiscal responsibility in action.

When people ask what else has changed, I point to the district’s curriculum choices. For example, when the fourth-grade Colorado history curriculum came up for review, the board of education approved a version that met the state’s academic standards while rejecting a version that strayed into political activism for 10-year-olds. The majority board’s decision was rooted in the principle that elementary education should focus on academics and foundational knowledge – not ideology.

Afterward, several community members went back and reviewed the board meeting videos and materials themselves. Many have since reached out to express appreciation that our board took a measured, age-appropriate and academically grounded approach.

Those are just two examples of why our schools are on a better path – fiscal accountability, strong academics and a commitment to parents’ trust. These are the kinds of decisions that build confidence in public education. Re-elect Haitz, Lema and Jones on Nov. 4.

— Pete Hosburgh