Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Critical race theory, local control of curriculum discussed
COLFAX — Two citizens appeared at the Colfax school board meeting Monday to give input on critical race theory, inappropriate materials, and mask policies.
Brenda Gingerich read a statement in her allotted time of three minutes for public input.
She called for the school district to find a way to go independent from state funding.
“They seek what they want, which is power over everything,” said Gingerich. “It is a lie and it is the communist playbook.”
She asked the board to take action.
“I challenge you to stand up for our kids,” Gingerich said. “Government doesn’t care about our kids.”
She questioned the district’s mask policy.
“Masks decrease oxygen to our children’s brains,” she said.
She talked about recent required training from the state given to Colfax teachers.
“Critical race theory – they don’t call it that, but that’s what it is,” Gingerich said.
In the end, Gingerich suggested what the school board may do to alleviate the matters.
“You know what, Inslee, keep your money if that’s what he’s pushing on our kids,” Gingerich said, noting that she now home-schools her children.
District Superintendent Jerry Pugh thanked her for coming and giving input.
He said that he has had a lot of contact with the governor’s office.
“It’s difficult, to say the least,” Pugh said. “We are pushing hard. Conversations are happening. We would love local control. We’re hoping to hear in mid-July. I wish it were as simple as to say, keep your money ... We have to play within boundaries. We are pushing hard.”
He noted the equity and sensitivity training required for teachers as akin to a lot of required training.
“I have the utmost confidence in our staff. We’re going to educate kids as we have always educated kids in Colfax.”
A short discussion followed on equity versus equality.
Pugh said parents who are concerned should be “vocal to your (state) representatives.”
He noted that he and the school board have sworn to uphold the state constitution, which does not mean they agree with all of it.
“There is a growing number of superintendents that are being vocal,” said Pugh. “If we had local control, things would look different.”
Asked later, he explained that this refers mostly to medical guidelines from the state during the past 15 months. He said a school district should be more able to use its local data to make decisions.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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