Editor,
Apparently the current government chaos is not enough for our South Whidbey schoolmarm moralizers. I have attended three meetings of Voices for South Whidbey Education. The last meeting indicated the real goals of the group: to find two candidates to replace two board directors on the ballot for reelection this fall.
Some research has revealed that one of the group’s leaders is a precinct committee officer with Island County Republicans. This person has put out a number of falsehoods to undermine the school board and district: BLM Banner controversy, accusing a high school teacher of politicizing January 6th events, constantly filing complaints with ESD-189 OSPI and petitions to recall board directors. I have to ask the PCO: “Who benefits from these actions? The students of South Whidbey or your ideology of the MAGA Project 2025 cult?”
The meeting also had a South Whidbey community member who is currently a lobbyist. I have to question possible connections to state Senator Jim Walsh and billionaire Brian Heywood, who funds conservative state Senate and House bills like Parents’ Bill of Rights and private school vouchers.
The suggested candidate from this group will likely mask themselves as “moderate” conservatives. Apparently, it only takes two board directors to change what is discussed on the agenda of board meetings. And this is where the dismantling of the school district begins.
Our district is one of distinction, a leader in DEI values, LGBTQ+ support and Social Emotional Learning — all qualities outlined in a Harvard Study, Education for the 21st Century. Plus, our district is financially solvent, making it harder to dismantle. The state Republican Party will definitely target our district providing funding.
I left copies of information as to why I unequivocally support our district and a reading list. All copies were picked up. I hope some will start reading “The History of White People” by Dr. Nell Irvin Painter. Maybe they will learn something…like putting out flyers for meetings that aren’t insulting when all attendees of the three meetings were overwhelmingly “all white.”
Charlene Davenport
Clinton
