Editor,

Ward Sparacio, a candidate for Coupeville School Board, says in his recent election mailer “our kids need to be taught how to think – not what to think.” To me these are classic “code words” used currently by right wing conservatives who are critical of our educational leaders – our school board members, administrators and especially our teachers. Mr. Sparacio is inferring that these dedicated folks are “indoctrinating” our students with leftist ideology.

His message is a signal to our conservative neighbors who share his opposition to politically charged public education issues like “critical race theory” (which isn’t taught anywhere in Island County schools by the way) or age-appropriate sex education or the discussion of climate change in the public schools. His supporters recognize his coded, subtle message. In one short, quiet sentence our non-partisan school board elections just became very partisan indeed.

In searching for further information about our School Board candidates, I finally ended up on a local right wing, Trump world political website — islandcountyfreepress.com — hosted by Joseph Graham, an Island County Republican precinct chairmen. I found four articles by Mr. Sparacio on the ICFP website and an article as well as some zinger comments by Paul Rempa, another Coupeville School Board Candidate. Both of these candidates are also Island County Republican precinct chairmen by the way.

Mr. Rempa says in the comments section of an article entitled “School Reprogramming” dated 2-9-21 “how about we fire leftist board members, administrators and pro-union teachers.” Wow! Further down the page he says “yes, our kids are being brainwashed by a Marxist agenda promoted by teachers’ unions” as he referred to transgendered students.

To verify all of these combative comments and see even more for yourself, just check out the ICFP website. Do it soon please, in case this information disappears.

I can only imagine the resulting chaos that will consume upcoming school board meetings if Mr. Sparacio and Rempa were to win these offices. I am supporting folks I can trust like Nancy Conard and Morgan White who are dedicated to a quality education for our children.

Michael Ferri

Coupeville