Editor,

As a longtime Jefferson County resident and taxpayer, I must protest the grounds of this proposed recall of three competent school board members. Let’s be totally honest about this. The real reason for the recall effort is the teacher’s association, the JCEA. Previously there was Superintendent Cindy Stevenson, the JCEA, and the rest was superfluous. Now the board has become independent and thinks for itself.The teachers are being paid to the best of the school board’s ability. Also, let us not forget that somewhere around 20-30 percent of additional compensation is in the form of PERA contributions to their retirement and the ever-increasing cost of health care under the new, so-called “Affordable Care Act.”

The fiscally conservative members of the school board have managed to set aside $18 million towards the much-needed northern school. This was in lieu of the $40-80 million Certificate of Participation that the non-conservative part of the board proposed. This would have been like buying a car with your credit card and cost millions in interest. We still may need a COP to finish the project, but this will be minimal compared to the original suggestion.

Observing the JCEA has led me to believe that their major concern is control of the school system, not the education of the children. Their job appears to be to keep some of the worst teachers employed. The attrition rate of teachers from Jefferson County is more than some counties but also less than others. We are not having a major exodus. In addition, the new school will employ even more teachers. Why else would the JCEA be bringing in outside money, agitators and other support if the reason was something other than control?

If you study the wording of the petition and have any real knowledge of the current board and its operations, you will see quite readily that the reasons for the recall are lies, subterfuge, and misleading. There is absolutely no concrete evidence to support any of it.

William F Hineser, DPMArvada

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