Letters to the editor: Readers weigh in on school board elections, corporal punishment

Despite challenges, America's best days still ahead

It’s no big secret that the election that is quickly approaching is an election not many Americans — and for that matter, global humanity — is looking forward to. On one side, a twice-impeached former president, who is staring at over 90 felony charges, ranging from tampering with state election officials in Georgia, to the case in Washington D.C. related to the accusation that he played an outsized role with the Jan. 6 attacks, to even something as small as hush money payments in New York that potentially violated campaign finance laws.

The impacts of Donald Trump, his movement, and his rhetoric will be felt for generations to come, both for the better and for the worst.

On the other hand, a beleaguered incumbent, over the age of 83 years old, having to contend with a country that hasn’t seen such divisions since the Civil War, and on top of that a foreign policy that increasingly is being ridiculed both at home and abroad. While Joe Biden has made a number of critical mistakes, such as his lack of public facing interviews, and refusal to recognize that public opinion on topics like Israel will create issues during the fall campaign, it is important to remember it’s highly unlikely that a President Donald Trump would have done much better at dealing with these crises. In layman’s terms, these things are structural. But if there’s one thing I still believe in, it’s the promise of America and what each one of us can achieve. Regardless of your political inclinations, I am truly confident that our best days are indeed still ahead of us, not behind us.

Trey Swaggart, Springfield

Corporal punishment taught older generations respect

A recent graduate of Central High School (Class of 2023) states corporal punishment is a snake oil remedy that disrespects students and faculty. Sophia Leonard quotes psychological studies that state corporal punishment causes mental problems and it is not necessarily effective. Those of us who grew up with parents who practiced corporal punishment disagree with your viewpoints.

You are too young to understand the value system which we experienced. Our parents made it clear that if we caused trouble at school that called for corporal punishment then we could face the same consequences possibly at home. We were taught to respect teachers, principals, police, firemen, and people older than us. We dressed in our best clothes to go to school. We said yes, sir, and no, sir to those older than us. We didn't call people older than us by their first names. We didn't eat in classrooms. There were no school shootings. We want you to have respect for elders, behave in class, and learn. Is that too much to ask? We had it. Yes, it was abused by some educators and school administrators. It appears behavior is worse today under the present circumstances. What changed?

We are not asking to turn back the clock. As parents and grandparents, we have failed you and future generations. We are searching for answers. Forgive us for implying those days and ways were better. We want you to have peace of mind, the opportunity to learn, and the assurance of safety at school we had. If that means we use corporal punishment to achieve that, why not?

Instead of dismissing the wisdom we have gained from our experiences, why not sit down and listen? We will listen to your feedback. No, school is different in some ways, but human behavior is the same. We had bullies, we had suicides, we had students with mental issues, and we had students who were in the closet. Yet, we had something you haven't had. We want you to have it too.

Roy Pearson, Springfield

Vote for ability, not billboards, in Springfield school board election

Yard signs can be bought and paid for, but you can’t buy leadership, integrity and experience. That’s why I encourage you to vote for Danielle Kincaid, Scott Crise and Susan Provance for the Springfield R-12 Board of Education.

Ms. Kincaid has demonstrated stellar leadership on the board, Mr. Crise is a man of unquestioned integrity and board service and Ms. Provance exudes needed experience.

Your vote is important to ensure support for our students, staff, schools and community. Vote for leadership, integrity and experience — Danielle Kincaid, Scott Crise and Susan Provance on April 2. Paid for by nobody!

Morey Mechlin, Springfield

Pastors have no place in school board election

The recent piece about pastors who are concerned about the Springfield school board election prompted me to reply. I am a religious person who regularly attends a Christian church but this group is way off-base, in my opinion.

I am sure pastors Morrow and Bryant are good men who want the best for their communities, but they are not residents of Springfield and and should not be involved in a non-partisan election or a local school election. I'm concerned about discipline too, but the intervention of conservative Christian churches, or any other for that matter, is not needed in this type of election. And to suggest it's a battle between good and evil is outrageous.

The Bible is a great book that offers good suggestions for living a good and fulfilling life but it was written in a very different time period with different needs than today. For example, Mr. Morrow is concerned about gender identity. Others in his group likely don't support ordination of women. One can find support for both of these views in the Bible. But one can also find passages condoning slavery and banning women from their house when their period occurs.

I will support and vote for people who are experienced teachers, rational thinkers, and those who might look for practical solutions to problems rather than religious ones. There's a place for religious conservatives in our society but not in running our schools.

John Melton, Springfield

Makoski wrong to target "safe space" stickers

A safe space allows the free exchange of thoughts without the risk of persecution. A safe space gives students a feeling of belonging, especially among minorities and historically oppressed groups. Every room should be a safe space. Many kids need to feel safe to tell an adult about being bullied or being called names. Kids can’t learn if they don’t feel safe. Stickers are essential for students to know that they are not alone and matter, just like how they are made.

Steve Makoski supports Chad Rollins, Landon McCarter, and incumbent Maryam Mohammadkhani. Members of the local MSTA chapter of the Missouri State Teachers Association have voted to endorse three candidates in the April 2 school board race. This group has backed incumbent Danielle Kincaid and first-time candidates Susan Provance and Kyler Sherman-Wilkins. Let’s not let Rollins, McCarter or Mohammadkhani in charge of our schools.

Sue Nevatt, Springfield

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Letters focus on America's promise, Springfield school board election