District 181 School Board Members Chris Robinson, Bob Nystrom, and Ruth Nelson voted wrong in not granting a leave of absence to Mr. Dan Clabo, a science teacher.
It is to the district's advantage to grant it because Mr. Clabo will return with new experiences and education that can benefit students here. Any teacher who has taught here for 24 years needs such a change. The renewal benefits him and future students. In addition, there are many prospective teachers who would be willing to fill a position here even it is available for two years only.
Razidlo is gone. His policies are not valid for forever. Would the three members of the board look the other way if the teacher were in sports or involved in the district's extensive athletic program? Probably. Academics like science are surely equal to or, dare I say, more important to today's society.
Thus, school board members, do you have the courage to rescind your faulty decision?
By the way, to set the record straight: I do not know Mr. Clabo, though I may have met him years ago. My opinion is not based on a vested interest here. I just like to see good educational practices whenever and wherever possible.
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M. Fritz Bertelt
Brainerd
