To the Editor:
I have read letters sent in regarding concern that the Mitchell Board of Education hasn't been transparent in its decision making regarding the fine arts center, and how the taxpayers have had no voice. This is simply not true.
The taxpayers of Mitchell have had a voice in two ways -- once when we elected the members of the school board to make these decisions for us, and again any time a school board meeting is held. These are open to the public.
I took particular issue with Ms. Volesky's statement that the school board shouldn't be building a fine arts center because show choir is a private club activity. To imply this endeavor would only benefit show choir participants shows her ignorance in the matter. I attended Mitchell High School from 1993 to 1997. I was involved in many fine arts activities, but not show choir. I still, somehow, managed to spend more time in that auditorium than any classroom.
I was in color guard and choir all four years, drama class, musicals and solo competitions. Add in band, debate, oral interp and non-musical plays, which I was not involved in but also made use of the auditorium, and the fact that there are no individual rehearsal rooms for band/choir students. There are several hundred students involved, and the facilities were insufficient 20 years ago.
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I attended a school board meeting early this fall. No one stopped me at the door and asked me how many kids I had, what side of the issue I was on or even what my name was. I simply walked in the door and chose a seat. Someone offered me a pamphlet they had put together. I sat and listened for the entire meeting, and anyone who wanted to was given the opportunity to speak.
The board isn't hiding from anyone. If you want to be involved in the decision-making, you simply have to show up, either to the polls or the board meetings.
Erica Voss
Rochester, Minn.
