To the Journal editor:

It’s crucial to engage in open dialogue and consider multiple perspectives when evaluating candidates for public office. School board decisions have lasting impacts on communities, and informed voting is essential to ensure that elected officials represent the community’s diverse values and needs.

I feel compelled to address the upcoming school board election and the candidacy of Ashley Mattson, Jenn Tousignant, and Sarah Mills-Gervais, also known as the Moms for MAPS. While community involvement in our schools is undeniably important, I believe that the motivations behind Moms for MAPS are driven more by partisan ideology akin to Moms for Liberty than by the genuine educational needs of our community.

The recent Chalkbeat article, “Michigan: Here’s why your vote in school board races matters,” highlights the critical role that school boards play in shaping educational policies, curricula, and the overall well-being of our students. More importantly, it underscores a growing concern: national political agendas increasingly–and unnecessarily–influence local school board races, often overshadowing the best interests of our children.

Moms for MAPS emphasizes increased board transparency, parental involvement, curriculum oversight, and fiscal responsibility, yet offers no concrete specifics supporting their collective positions.

For example, their website implies that Moms for MAPS will advocate for the restriction of certain curriculum topics. Their website states, “Not all books/topics need to be in the schools,” but fails to specify which materials they find inappropriate or why. Without specifying which materials they find inappropriate, they raise concerns about the potential restriction of important topics that help students understand diversity and inclusion. Education should empower students with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for diversity–not restrict them to a narrow viewpoint. Parental input is valuable and critical. It’s equally important to balance it with the expertise of the educational professionals with whom communities place their trust.

Moreover, while fiscal responsibility and the well-being of our students are legitimate concerns, they should be pursued in a manner that genuinely supports educational advancement and inclusivity. Cutting essential programs or resources under the guise of budget efficiency can have long-term negative impacts on student outcomes. To quote Mattson from the FAQs page of the Moms for MAPS website with respect to SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) programs, “There may be some hesitation towards it as it’s fairly new and families don’t know much about the program. Being transparent and open can help squash any related concerns.” If Mattson doesn’t “see a need for canceling programs like the SEL,” then what are some specific proposals to alleviate parental hesitation and further enhance SEL programs?

I urge fellow community members to thoughtfully consider the implications of the upcoming school board election. It’s imperative to elect candidates who prioritize the educational needs and well-being of all students over partisan interests. Our schools should be places where every child feels valued, supported, and prepared for the future. I want a school board that will attract and inspire educators, not repel or dissuade them from joining our community. Let’s ensure that our school board reflects the true values of our community–diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to high-quality education for all, which is why on Election Day, I will be casting my ballot for newcomer Cassidy Thomas and incumbents Kristen Cambensy and Glenn Sarka, who have successfully and judiciously steered MAPS through some choppy waters the last few years. I feel each of these candidates will act with the best interests of our students and community in mind, regardless of the national partisan conversation.

Blake Kuehn

Marquette