Letters: Dodd could improve system that is overwhelmed, outdated

I was pleasantly surprised to read that the Daily Triplicate chose to endorse Mark Dodd for the District 3 School Board vacancy in the upcoming countywide election.

As the mother of two enthusiastic learners enrolled at Castle Rock Charter School, I fully agree with the premise that the School Board is in need of a "fresh parent perspective."

As evidenced by the increased enrollment in alternative educational opportunities (such as charter schools, vocational classes or homeschooling), many parents are no longer satisfied with taking a sidelines approach when it comes to the education of their children.

The district has been marketing the traditional school system it represents but in my view the "tipping of the scales" of where parents are now enrolling their children is a symptom of a system that is overwhelmed and outdated, much like the facilities that house the institutions themselves.

In science we are taught that organisms move, adapt or die when the environment changes. Moving is not an option for most. Neither is dying out or closing schools.

So why not adapt the existing system to meet the need?

Perhaps the district can allow under-used facilities to be used by charter schools that have the enrollment numbers that warrant use.

I am hopeful that if elected, Mr. Dodd will help to create the adaptations the School Board needs most to refine and support the changing needs of the families of Del Norte County.

I applaud and support the efforts of Mr. Dodd and those like him who are willing to cross the threshold from advocating for the rights of his children alone, and go further to enter into the election process and submit his services of advocating for the rights of all children in Del Norte County, present and future alike.

Thank you Mr. Dodd for seeing a need and taking the lead!

Yvonne Fickbohm

Gasquet