School Consolidation Letter to the Editor: Choose Optimism and Opportunities

Choose Optimism & Opportunities

I am a mother of 3, wife, nurse, Oakland-Craig graduate, and “eternal optimist”.

I get it. Life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. There are hard realities, truths, and misfortunes that everyone faces. As a parent, I know that my children and their peers will face more issues than I ever faced with social media, technology, and our world in general.  As a parent, I also feel that it is my job to instill HOPE, OPPORTUNITY, and FAITH into my children and those around me.

This year is a unique year. We as community members have the privilege to build a brighter and more hopeful future for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. I have always appreciated my rural and small town upbringing, teachers, and education, but I also know it is never going to be “what it was”.

Times change.

People change.

Communities change.

Populations shift.

Facilities become out-of-date.

Education evolves.

and Opportunities Arise.

Our children will never have the “same” education that we had and that is not such a bad thing. We have an opportunity to give our children an even better one. It is possible for them to participate at new levels in academics and extracurricular activities, they can embrace and keep the “arts”, and we can send them into their futures with an optimistic start on life. Isn’t it our job to want more for our children than what we had? Shouldn’t we want to teach children that life is not stagnant, therefore, education should not be either?  We can put faith into the hard work that has come before us and know that there is anticipation in what is to come.

The negativity, hostility, and “fear” that is being used is exhausting. People are trying to gain votes based on emotions of anxiety and dread. Let’s stay positive. What if we look at all of the good that can happen? Let those emotions be present. I appreciate the factual information given in support of a consolidated district. I appreciate the community members wanting more for not only their children and grandchildren but for ALL students and generations of families to come. After all… this should not be an “us versus them” as we are all in this together. How about we come together and be encouraged? Let’s see the realization that together we are able to give ALL students the best education. Lastly, put confidence in the fact that we have a great opportunity facing us here and now, one that may not occur again. I encourage you to get all of the facts. Attend meetings, ask questions, and see why the majority of elected school officials feel that consolidation provides the best opportunities for everyone.

I was raised to see the best in people, opportunities, situations, and change. The opportunities for all outweigh the fears of some. On November 8^th, join me in choosing OPTIMISM and OPPORTUNITIES and vote “FOR” the bond issue to benefit generations to come.

Brooke Peterson