As a concerned parent and resident of Eden Prairie, I find it alarming that our elected representatives, including Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, have voted to cut funding for critical in-school safety programs. At a time when violence in schools is on the rise across the country, these cuts are not just irresponsible – they’re dangerous. School resource officers (SROs) are often the first line of defense, trained to notice when something is off before it turns into a tragedy. By reducing their presence, we’re leaving our children and teachers more vulnerable.
We need more security in our schools, not less. It’s disappointing to see Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn support a bill that abandons this crucial aspect of school safety. Our children’s safety should be a top priority, and cutting these programs sends the wrong message about where our priorities lie.
Furthermore, it’s important that every parent in our community is aware of the academic challenges facing our schools. Many may not know that Eden Prairie Senior High School is struggling, with only a 73% proficiency in writing and an even more troubling 53% proficiency in math, as reported by Public School Review. These statistics are far from what we should expect from our schools, yet we’ve heard little from Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn about how she plans to address these issues. Our children deserve better, and as parents, we must demand more from our representatives.
It’s clear that we need a change in leadership – someone who will not only prioritize the safety of our students but also take meaningful action to improve their academic outcomes. Our community deserves representatives who will fight for the resources and support our schools need to thrive, both in terms of safety and education.
On Election Day, I urge you to consider what’s best for the future of our children and our community. It’s time for leadership that truly reflects our values and priorities. Vote Wendi Russo for State House 49B for Eden Prairie!
Patty Leunig, Eden Prairie
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