Editor,

Congrats to the Record for setting the record straight and refusing to amplify yet another wacky MAGA conspiracy theory — this time about bathroom upgrades in our schools, of all things.

Instead of helping educators and students get the support they need, this small group of far-right naysayers attack LGBTQ people. Instead of working to pass the 2023 school bond we so urgently needed for upgrades and capital maintenance (which our annual maintenance budget does not cover), they fought the bond.

Now that the bond is paying for much-needed improvements, they throw stones and circulate hateful misinformation about our hard-working school district leaders.

Let’s be clear that school board candidate Gwendy Gabelein is leading the charge on this divide and distract campaign. I was there when she seized on this non-issue in a candidate forum, no doubt following the far-right playbook she’s been given by extreme Republicans.

But here’s the thing: Gwendy and her crew forgot that on South Whidbey we work together to build good things. Look around our community: we focus on what’s good and work together to make it happen. That includes updating our school buildings and making sure they are safe, healthy, places for every student to learn, grow, and reach their potential.

Ann Johnson has been leading with principle, integrity, and vision on our school board for 5 years. The contrast in this race could not be more clear. I’m voting for Ann Johnson, and I urge you to as well.

Belinda Griswold

Freeland