Fort Worth ISD trustees were right to change course on closing middle schools | Opinion
The right size
As Fort Worth ISD parents, we’re disappointed with the Star-Telegram Editorial Board’s take on middle-school closures. (June 2, 4C, “FWISD board caved on plan to close middle schools”) You dismiss the renovation of campuses as a waste of 2021 bond money, but the district’s consolidation plan would have spent that money on new, bigger schools — a waste of resources and a real risk for overrunning the bond budget with construction costs.
As for student achievement, research shows the huge sizes of the proposed schools — up to 1,450 students — hurt student outcomes. By choosing renovation, FWISD enables the best pedagogical practices needed for the district’s improvement.
We agree that trustees should stand firm against public pressure. We were disappointed when they caved to demands for unsustainably low tax rates in August. In this matter, though, the community, research and best interests of students aligned with the anti-closure arguments.
- Layne Craig, Matt Craig and Jessica Grady, Fort Worth
Real conservatism
Recent commentaries and letters to the editor in the Star-Telegram largely spin the conservative agenda in a biased and denigrating manner. It is time for an accurate description. Republicans believe soon-to-be babies are God’s creation and need to be protected and not disposed of nonchalantly. We say that newborns are either male or female. Regulated immigration is needed and generally beneficial to all, but unregulated borders lead to chaos and the demise of any country. Conservatives adhere to hard work, devotion to the family, neighborly love, pride in our country and minimal reliance on government. We support the English rule of law, whereby existing laws are enforced, there are no blanket releases of those in jail and judges do not set their own agendas. It’s pretty simple to understand.
- J. Mark Bronson, Fort Worth
Better people
I hope everyone reads the June 4 story, “Departing House members asking: why am I here?” (10A) It looks at why members of both parties are leaving Congress.
Can you imagine trying to work in an office where significant percentages of the workers don’t try to collaborate with others? Where their only concern is getting recognized on social media?
These House members don’t respect the institution. Their approach to government, as one member said, is ”to tear it to the ground.”
If you care about our country and want it to succeed, we must find and vote for qualified people who are selfless and want to work with others to do great things. Ignore the extremes, the maniacs, the attention-seekers and the single-issue candidates.
- David Jones, Arlington
Biden’s politics
Somehow, President Joe Biden woke up and signed a border and immigration measure. With the election just a few months away, he wants to be able to brag that he curbed immigration. But is it a ruse? From his botched withdrawal from Afghanistan to allowing millions of people into the country illegally and high inflation, how much more damage can he do to our country? A change in management is due, and it can’t be soon enough.
- Angela Benvenuto, Arlington
Trump’s conviction
Several presidents and other leading government officials have committed crimes. Richard Nixon committed multiple felonies. Bill Clinton committed felonious perjury. Lyndon Johnson lied for years about Vietnam. Warren Harding kept a mistress in the White House. None was indicted or tried.
While I certainly respect the decision of the jury in Donald Trump’s case, it seems that the Manhattan district attorney had a political agenda. President Joe Biden should have tried to step in and stop it, not because Trump is innocent, but for the good of the country.
Both he and Trump should retire and allow the country to move forward. When will we have a leader who puts the people first?
- Rick Weintraub, Mansfield
