TO THE EDITOR:

Last year, the media published information about the social studies standards after the public comment period. Earlier this year, it was the ethnomathematics version of the math standards.  Now it’s the newly added Standard 8 on racism to the teacher licensure standard. The public comment period on licensure ended in June. The administrative law judge, not the Legislature, rules on these standards in late August.  They will be required from elementary through collegial teacher preparation programs. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) content in Standard 8 comes from Illinois and Washington standards. Minnesota voters should follow the lead of Virginia (state) voters last year who stood with politicians supporting parents and children and rejected those who told parents that the schools, not the parents, should decide what is taught. Parents are swing voters looking for academic excellence, not progressive policies (CRT/ DEI/SEL/gender identity). Government-funded school enrollment is plummeting—students of informed parents and frustrated teachers who find their ideological and moral standards challenged. Study the new PELSB draft and speak on August 24 with the administrative law judge about what qualifications good teachers need for our kids (https://mn.gov/pelsb/board/rulemaking/licensing-academic-standards/.  Zoom link under the “Hearing Details” tab).

Dr. Phyllis E. VanBuren

Clearwater, MN

TO THE EDITOR:

Lefty (Jerome) Kleis is running for Sherburne County Commissioner District 4. I extend my full support to him as a candidate, neighbor and friend. I encourage anyone looking for a candidate that has the “fight for what’s right” attitude and the political background needed to make and sustain real change for the people in our communities and all of Sherburne County. Lefty served as Mayor of Becker from 2013-2016 and is ready to be a voice for the people to make sure YOUR voice is heard. He is committed to improving public safety to keep our children and families safe and holding criminals accountable. He is dedicated to establishing an affordable and reliable energy plan  with his extensive committee involvement with Excel Energy/Sher Co. Coal Plant facilities.  Lefty believes that government should be transparent, accessible for all and must live within its means. Lefty is a strong leader in our community and has been for 50+ years. He is a person of high integrity, knowledge and strong family and core values. Lefty will hold those values true for YOU when you vote him in to run as our District 4 County Commissioner candidate during the August 9, 2022 Primary election.

Shelly Alger-Peyton

Clear Lake, MN