Dear Leavenworth Echo,

I want to commend you on your hire of Erin Mullins as intern reporter! I feel so grateful for her reporting, balanced and succinctly detailed. She and Marlene Farrell have described our Cascade School District stories with depth and breadth. I am especially grateful for Erin’s reporting, with the article “Addressing Racism In Local Schools.” As Erin describes so clearly, there was no law passed requiring the teaching of critical race theory to students; rather there was a law passed (SB 5044) to require training staff so that they treat everyone, no matter the background, with fairness and respect. Elia Ala’ilima-Daley and Glenn Johnson have very helpful comments about creating an atmosphere of inclusion and openness, and ultimately, a sense of belonging. 

That is what I strive for in my joint decisions as a school board member.

We want (and need) all students to feel a sense of belonging, respecting that they come from a variety of cultures, and generational wisdom.

We want all students to hear, and create, a broad spectrum of opinions.

We want students who think critically.

We want students who can construct their own knowledge, based on strong educational pedagogy.

We want students who are problem solvers.

We want students who can carry on rich conversations,  with listening that creates understanding, not just ‘talking to make a point.’

Our Upper Valley community and the world needs graduating students who can think  critically and have discernment. In fact, Erin Mullins, CSD graduate, is a great example of all of the above!

In gratitude,

Judy Derpack

CSD School board Director