Editor,
Dawn Tarantino, Farrah Manning Davis and Bree Kramer-Nelson need our votes for the South Whidbey School Board. These candidates are graduates of South Whidbey High School, are now raising families on South Whidbey and know our patrons! Dawn serves on the board for South Whidbey Little League; Bree is president of the South Whidbey High School Booster Club, which has given more than 30K in scholarships to graduating seniors; Farrah volunteers for many non-profit organizations.
There is a political culture in the South Whidbey School District, perpetuated by Superintendent Dr. Jo Moccia and a few directors, that needs to change. Board positions are supposed to be non-partisan with directors remaining neutral on political issues. One example of not being neutral occurred on June 11, 2021. Incumbent directors Brooke Willeford, Marnie Jackson and Ann Johnson attended a counter protest of a protest concerning the Black Lives Matter banner at the high school and indoctrination of students.
In one of the six complaints filed with ESD 189 by parents and community members of South Whidbey, it is noted that the three directors failed to remain neutral: Taking a political stance by attending a counter protest supporting the Black Lives Matter banner. Another complaint notes that Dr. Jo Moccia admits the BLM banner is controversial and has not provided alternative viewpoints. Also noted: “Parents are removing their students from South Whidbey School District due to overt political and social activism, racism, age-inappropriate sex ed, and the exaggerated emphasis of alternative sexual life styles and practices.”
The three incumbent directors were supporting a student activist group, United Student Leaders. An article on September 29, “South Whidbey students strike for climate justice,” notes these students advocate for abolishing capitalism, de-subsidizing the fossil fuel and meat and dairy industries, segregating communities, etc.
Dawn Tarantino, Farrah Manning Davis and Bree Kramer-Nelson advocate director neutrality, all voices heard and an appreciation of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Ken Evans
Freeland
