Letter: School Board candidate defends his views

Editor’s note: Mr. Raabe is a candidate for the Stevens Point Area Public Board of Education.

To the Editor-

In the words of Ronald Reagan, “There you go again!”

After serving as a classroom teacher, building principal, and school superintendent I am seeking to continue serving young people, educators, and our community by running for membership on the Stevens Point School District Board of Education.

Regarding the topics of the day. I am a strong advocate for young people, teachers, and parents. I believe Covid is real, that it is serious, and that it warrants thoughtful consideration by leaders. I believe few people understand Critical Race Theory. I am supportive of teaching our young people the great accomplishments of our country, balanced by exposing them to issues that have and continue to challenge us as a society.

I am not afraid of diversity and believe schools and society should be inclusive and supportive of those who may be marginalized due to their race, economic status, gender, religion, or who they choose to care for. I believe our forefathers thought that was a commendable position as well. My politics are generally socially progressive and fiscally conservative. I disagree with most of the perspectives of the far right.

I can understand why supporters of my opponents will choose not to question my training, background, experience, or years of service. I am less certain why they do not challenge my positions as I assume they may not share my perspectives or politics.

Instead, they have reached into the political bag of trickery and pulled out one of the oldest strategies in the books, that being personal attack and misinformation. I guess I should be flattered.

I don’t know my opponents personally and will not demean them because they are exercising their right to run for office. Perhaps at the local level, we could model to our young people how adults can disagree without being disagreeable. If I lose this race I wish those who succeed great success. Our young people deserve great schools and need great leaders.

As an elementary principal, I dealt daily with scholars who taunted their peers, called each other names, and acted, well, like children. I tried to be patient with them and make it a learning experience. There has been a lot of talk about making America great again, perhaps we can start by just being a bit better as individuals.

It is clear there are plenty of choices in this race. I stand by my record and am comfortable with my positions. I would be honored to have your support.

Dennis Raabe
Stevens Point

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