Editor:
This is in response to the article about the Española Military Magnet School (Rio Grande SUN, “A School in Progress,” Aug. 20, 2009, page A1). It is understandable the parents are concerned. However, one question continues to linger in my mind. How many of the military school parents voted for the recent mill levy? It is easy to criticize and question the school board but unless these parents went out and voted, then they should not complain about the condition of their school.
It is my understanding the Española School District is operating on a very tight budget and the military school has failed to produce its budgeted amount of students.
Yes, the school board has its faults just like any other entity does. No, they are not the “mafia,” as one parent put it. Instead, board members are the ones blamed for everything that goes wrong in the schools. Heaven forbid these parents blame the maintenance department who is actually in charge of ensuring the showers are functional.
If the school board is to be blamed for anything, they should be blamed for taking on a failing school that lost its charter. People are looking for someone to blame and the schools are always the scapegoat.
My suggestion to the Española Military Magnet School administrators and its parents is to be the change that you so desperately seek. A step towards this change would be to run for the same school board that you so vehemently criticize. Maybe then you can try to get it right.
Maria Martinez
Albuquerque