Opinions

Equality should not fall on the backs of our students, nor their teachers. Consolidation is not a bad idea to consider, but this particular proposal and its planning, or lack thereof, will undoubtedly harm students, teachers, and taxpayers alike. So no, it is not really “about the kids.”

I feel it is necessary to use caution and “VOTE NO” on Consolidation in this upcoming election. Preserve our Independent School Districts. Preserve our thriving Mingus Union District, legacy and community.

Schools do not function well in the midst of chaos or change; they function best when there is stability, especially during turbulent times.

Our efforts did lead directly to districts in two separate areas in Arizona consolidating, but not in the Verde Valley.

Consolidation can take the best of both districts and make one new and incredible district. which will benefit all kids in the Verde Valley, including CJ students.

We need to look ahead at the future of our public schools. Sedona Oak Creek School District has closed an entire school, district office and moved their middle schoolers to their high school. What's to say the same scenario won't happen in Cottonwood, Mingus Union, and Clarkdale Jerome School Districts?

There are no boundaries, borders or protections against this virus, yet. We must simply guard ourselves and listen to the health scientists, not the political scientists.

We need a grounded leader who embodies those qualities we expect in our president. I will back the candidate with extensive political and relevant life experiences, who understands the people and what they face, who can inspire and lead us to a better future.

However, scrutinizing the picture of the Belfry, I noted that most people were not wearing masks. This is an affront to the mayor who was also in attendance.

Deaths from COVID-19 apparently mean nothing to him.

For 25 years Mingus was my home, first as a student teacher then as an English teacher.

Only it takes a community parade with a small-town float to bring it on home — we really are their front line. And, we don’t mind. It’s our job.

It has been 60 years since we revisited how our communities are serving the education our students. Today is the day, now is the time to vote for the change. Vote yes on Consolidation.

Hoping that we save money, but creating a long list of problems with no solutions doesn’t make sense, especially when budgets are tight.

I try to view both sides of the equation before making a rational decision but when most opponents to consolidation seem to have a vested interest I can't help but wonder why.

Renewal of the override will continue funding full-day kindergarten, a full-time K-8th Art teacher, and a full-time K-8th P.E. teacher.

If Camp Verde cared about community, the town would have enacted a mask mandate and social distancing requirements.

Educators start with the end in mind. Lessons are evaluated to assess the desired result.

With Michaels, the concern is more with the fact that Cottonwood still mandates wearing face masks when social distancing is not possible. It has less to do with the city finding a way to having a marquee event in as safe a manner as possible.

As we wind down this most unusual first quarter of the 2020-2021 academic school year, Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary School District would like to thank our educational community for its support.

As someone who has experienced many kinds of violence firsthand, don't be fooled, violence comes in many different forms.

I would like to say that I am voting for honesty, empathy, maturity, and an ability to listen to the views of others with whom one might disagree, without demonizing them.

Freedom of speech and voting for the candidate of your choice are two of the finest rights we have as Americans.

Thank you for the that huge gift. I got to see my granddaughter hit her first home run.

You who live in a home and sleep in a bed ... while the homeless have no shelter or a bed on which to lay their head, unless it is 35 degrees or colder outside; so cold that the homeless risk dying of hypothermia.