I served with Michelle Petersen on the Alamo School PTA. As a volunteer, she has given much of her time in service to the school. I feel fortunate for all of her family’s contributions and that our children are in school together. From her position of leadership on the PTA, she has been an advocate for proposals brought by our former principal and SRVEA (the teacher's union). Jerome Pandell has served in an administrative capacity on the Facilities Committee and does not have children currently enrolled in the District. He has received an endorsement from SRVEA. For voters who are looking for a candidate who will be a voice for parents, focus children back to core school subjects, and not act as just another representative for the union’s interests, Jesse vanZee is the only choice.
Our school board has voted unanimously on every single agenda item for the last few years. Their rulings on controversial topics did not involve parent input and caused division. Decisions affecting our schools shouldn’t be about politics- they should be made in the spirit of partnership between teachers, staff and parents, collaboratively making the best decisions for all students. When parents disagree, pragmatism and compromise should prevail. Jesse has shown he values the input of all parents, and his only motivation for running is his grassroots support, the future of the children in our district, and his own 5 children. He is the only candidate who has stated that he is willing to put politics aside to truly act in the best interest of all students.
What we have all learned from the last three years, after lengthened school shutdowns, political mandates, and the toll those took on the social emotional health of our children, their academic performance, and test scores in our state and district, is that parents must have a strong voice on our school board. What has continued to unite democrats, republicans and independents over the past several years is the shared value that school should be seeking feedback from parents and the families it serves.
Please join me in voting for vanZee this Tuesday!
Hilarie Bako
Alamo Parent
