Post Scripts Notice: The Cedar Springs Post welcomes letters of up to 350 words. The subject should be relevant to local readers, and the editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, length, good taste, accuracy, and liability concerns. All submissions MUST be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter’s authenticity. We do not print anonymous letters, or acknowledge letters we do not use. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Email to news@cedarspringspost.com, or send to Post Scripts, Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

I too was at the last board of education meeting. I admire your dedication to family in supporting the position of a relative on the board, however there are a few statements you made that I don’t believe are accurate. One only needs to look through recent issues of the Post to see several articles about our students’ accomplishments. One article in the last 7 months bringing awareness to our community that our teachers are STILL working under fear and intimidation does not constitute a pattern. I would also argue that the ‘slanted viewpoint from the vocal minority’ is not accurate. The board meeting I attended was standing room only, and ended with a standing ovation from an overwhelming majority when Trustee Sabinas filed a formal complaint against Dr. VanDuyn. The Cedar Springs Post has a responsibility to this community to report ALL news, even if it’s something you don’t want to see. I don’t want to see our teachers publicly beg for help from the board of education month after month for over two years, yet here we are and it is STILL happening. So while we ALL would like to see news full of sunshine and rainbows, it’s difficult to admire the drapes when the house is on fire.

Tami Elliston, Cedar Springs

Cedar Springs Health Center – October 18, 2016

(LtoR) Chris Shea – Cherry Health CEO,  Dorothy Weller – Weller Family Foundation, Denise Gates – ChoiceOne Bank, Tasha Blackmon – Cherry Health COO, CSPS Superintendent Dr. VanDuyn, Kristina Paliwoda – Cherry Health – Cedar Springs School Health Center Manager

NOTICE: The Cedar Springs Post welcomes letters of up to 350 words. The subject should be relevant to local readers, and the editor reserves the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, length, good taste, accuracy, and liability concerns. All submissions MUST be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter’s authenticity. We do not print anonymous letters, or acknowledge letters we do not use. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Email to news@cedarspringspost.com, or send to PostScripts, Cedar Springs Post, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

* We only print positive letters about candidates one week prior to the election.

School Board election concern

Teachers are treasures of CSPS! They impact student’s lives daily. It’s come to my attention teachers are being asked to sign a letter in support of school board candidates running as a duo. It’s concerning they’re asked to choose “sides.”  How is that collaboration? Why are only “chosen ones” acknowledged as collaborative? Using trusted teacher position to sway votes from those who may be uninformed of facts feels like an intimidation.

Over 70% of CSPS teachers don’t reside within the district. It’s troubling that individuals unable to vote are being asked to influence the outcome. Why is this? The individuals pushing this letter are friends and/or relatives of former employees and members of the SOS steering committee who perpetuate the CSPS broken unity since the hiring of Dr. VanDuyn. They concentrate on the past, which doesn’t allow CSPS to unite and work together to move forward. Several members of the SOS steering committee are also at the forefront for the Sabinas/Bowser Campaign.

Current administration is transforming CSPS with positive change everywhere! Changed leadership has brought accountability and transparency in areas needing repair. Services have moved closer to students. Teachers have the same medical insurance at a cheaper rate. New tracking by HR of teacher PD assists them with their certification. Financial budgeting being moved to each building gives teachers a voice and allows collaboration between principal and teachers to ensure clearer financials to protect the fiscal health of everyone at CSPS.

Quoting Steve Seward’s Twitter “When struggling w/change is it resulting from: control, ego, consciousness, competency, &/OR your values & beliefs (identity)?” Teachers’ services are valued, please value parents’ freedom to research and choose leaders for the school board. Voters please consult with Mlive’s voters’ guide and CS Post candidate questions to see qualifications, business experiences and volunteers’ experience.

After this debate is over, people will leave CSPS but the school remains. Let’s leave it intact. Teachers your community loves you, and wants to give you tools to be successful in educating our children. Please allow everyone the freedom to vote and work together for the children of CSPS.

Stephanie Morris, Solon Township

Community Member and Concerned CSPS Parent