This letter is in response to 'School Board Trustee Offers an Idea.' In his letter Boeddener discussed two issues:

1. the fact that students are asked to sign a statement that requires tolerance of many differences - including sexual orientation; and

2. the wrongheaded, covert actions of the school board

   1. to prevent the budget vote previously, and
   2. to not allow board elections to occur with the November political elections.

The first issue has already been addressed by other letters. It's sad that it even needs discussion.

The second issue raised by Boeddener was somewhat more amusing. Boeddener fought for numerous years to get us the vote on the school budget. (The fact that, because of mandates, we vote on only a miniscule piece of the budget is, in and of itself, a cause for laughter.) Now he proposes that we vote for our school board trustees in November, instead of the date in May which is mandated for budget votes. Boeddener feels that, since more people vote in November, the person elected to the board would be a better representative of the general populace. However, the budget vote- which he fought so hard to get for us because it was so important for us to have this right!?! - must occur on the mandated May date. If people have to come out anyway in May to exercise this important right, then doesn't it make more sense to keep all school related issues together? Wouldn't it be better if Boeddener channeled his energies towards getting people to come out in May?

One last comment. I am unable to attend the board's work meetings so I don't know whether Boeddener speaks informally there. However, I have been a regular for years at the monthly open meetings. Even prior to being elected a trustee, Boeddener spoke with a prepared script. If these are truly his sentiments, it would be more effective to speak from his heart without all the pomp and circumstance. If they are not his own words, let the author recite them. But please, no more pontificating.