I would like to affirm my full support of the San Juan Island School Board.

This five member, ALL volunteer board works tirelessly for ALL of our children.

As a volunteer for the past 12 years at the elementary school, I have seen the school board creatively guide our district through some very tough financial times, working hard to preserve teacher jobs and maintain as small as possible class sizes.

They crafted the collaboration between Island Rec and high school athletics that preserved varsity sports for our kids.

I believe in the intelligence, compassion and integrity of each of these dedicated volunteers. There is no fame and glory in their tasks. They do it for ALL of our children, to see that they each get the best education possible.

I am greatly saddened by some of the rhetoric that I heard at the board meeting last Tuesday night (Jan. 11) and that has continued in the printed press.

The fact is that we, the public, do not know all the facts because it’s confidential.

I do not believe there is sort of “conspiracy” by the board. Nor do I believe there is a desire for “slickness” in a principal. But by all means, use this as an opportunity to become more involved, in a calm and reasoned way.

And remember to thank those who volunteer for our schools.

Liz Covert

Friday Harbor