Upset with board in District 158

Enough is enough. For the past several years, the District 158 school board has demonstrated they are extremely dysfunctional and extremists who are interested in self-promotion and their own personal agendas instead of serving the school district with the students' best interests in mind. One school board member wanted to challenge a student, who exercised his 1st Amendment right in the school newspaper because he disagreed with that board member's position. One school board member referred to another board member as a terrorist.

Now, the president of the school board wanted to block funding for a diversity club because he believes it is a "slippery slope" and could lead to students accepting behavior like spousal abuse. This same school board wants everyone to believe they are operating in good faith during the current teacher contract negotiations when they have demonstrated their inability to get along with one another time and time again.

I have lived in the district for nine years and have supported every District 158 referendum because I want my children to receive a quality education. My concern is this school board fails to recognize the fundamental concept that the board's primary mission should be rooted in the best interests of the students. I have concern when the board president does not want to promote understanding, appreciation and tolerance for all cultures of all people.

It is alarming to think someone who serves as president on a school board does not want to promote the education and understanding of diversity issues. I believe this attitude is poisonous and does not promote the values and ideals I believe District 158 should represent. There is no place for a separatist on any school board who does not embrace the values of education and higher learning.

Matthew E. Konie

Lake in the Hills