Thank you, MI Reporter

On behalf of Parents for Mercer Island, we want to thank the Mercer Island Reporter for its commitment to independent journalism and for covering the voices of students, parents, and educators during this year’s school board meetings.

Your June 11 coverage was especially important. It captured the courage of Crest students who asked the board to protect teachers and paraeducators over administrative overhead. One student said it best: “We shouldn’t be sacrificing vital programs like Crest to fund inefficiencies higher up.”

We also appreciate your recognition of the many parents, nurses, librarians, and teachers who spoke out in March and April to protect school health and library services. Their advocacy made a difference, and we thank the administration for listening and preserving these essential roles.

However, we are concerned by moments during the June 26 board meeting when some directors tried to question the district’s financial assumptions, only to be publicly criticized or cut off. When one director asked for clarity on how reserves were calculated, they were told to “check their tone.” When another raised ethical concerns about governance and fiscal decisions, the board abruptly went into recess. These moments suggest a pattern of shutting down uncomfortable but necessary dialogue.

We thank the Mercer Island Reporter for creating a space where community members, especially students, can be heard.

Parents for Mercer Island