This letter is written in response to the comments written last week in the Star Herald by Lori Ehde in her article. First of all she took a small phrase that I said out of context. It is true that I spoke at the school board meeting and that I said that I wish we could have had more of a voice as parents in the kindergarten decision. She neglected to report that I followed that up by saying, "I realize we should have gotten involved sooner, and I admitted that I did not take enough initiative to get involved in the whole process." I definitely have learned a lot through this process, and plan on being more involved in future issues. I do not want to be one who complains, but does nothing to back it up. Back to the issue of parents not having a voice, I do feel that the surveys that were placed in the kindergarten packets were set aside by some parents, thinking that roundup was a way off. I believe this because the school board only had about 40 returned from approximately 100 sent out. I do understand that this was a difficult decision for the school board to make, and the problem starts at the state level, due to lack in funding. But I also feel that cutting our kids back to half-day kindergarten is going to set some kids behind. It is not nearly the same as it was even 20 years ago when I went to half-day kindergarten. We learned our ABC’s and 123’s, now they need to learn to read.I feel that the families that cannot afford to send their children to the KinderPlus program will risk them falling behind. As parents we are hoping to find out where this figure of $150 came from, and possibly a way to lower it, to make it more affordable to all families who hope to participate in it. I plan on attending the school board meeting this Thursday, where they are going to address our questions. Yes, I am using my voice, and becoming more involved!Jodi BoschLuverne
