As I have looked at the recent comments and reactions to the present school board issues and election it has reinforced my reason to run for the school board. All the candidates want the best possible school for the students. The question is how do we get there.

Much of the discourse has centered around the “atmosphere” and discord at school board meetings and how it is affecting the community and potentially the quality of our schools. I agree that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. The problem that I see is most of the actions presently being taken are not going to help. We are on a path of division by pointing fingers and placing blame without talking to each other.

As in any conflict there are always two sides. Right now all I have seen is each side digging in their heels and putting up fences. How about working together? Presently the school board has taken actions that appear to limit discussion and opinions. The other side has been characterized as a small group of dissenters that only have one agenda. As a result, they have continued to raise issues as they see necessary and sometimes that has been viewed as disruptive. I have watched at board meetings and see positive positions from both sides. Let’s find common ground and move forward.

We have seen good teachers and administrators leave recently, Lori Volz is not the first. Some departures are due to the atmosphere of the district. I ask that no matter who is elected Nov. 8th that we find solutions that will help retain teachers and administrators and strengthen Albert Lea Schools.

Kendall Langseth

Albert Lea