Choose Integrity, take responsibility

Chronic absenteeism has doubled in recent years. But is blaming parents really the best we can do to make kids want to come back?

I end my videos with the phrase “Our future is in your hands.” That's because I believe that all of us have the agency to make a positive change, and so does the school board. The truth is, schools can — and must — do a lot more. Four of ten students in Issaquah High School say they don’t feel comfortable speaking in class. Cyberbullying incidents have jumped tenfold in just one year. Why would they come if they are not welcome? 

And more than half of our middle schoolers aren’t reading or doing math at grade level.

Parents will often find alternative options, such as homeschooling or private school, if their children don’t find the public school experience challenging enough or aren’t learning sufficiently. If we continue on this path, enrollment will drop further. 

As Educators, we must keep the next generation safe, engaged, and mentally healthy, while parents work hard and provide for their families.

It’s time we start taking responsibility as the school board — setting measurable goals for safety and academics, while encouraging free debate in schools instead of regimented thinking, so every student feels welcomed.

Ballots arrive on October 17.

Vote for me, Chinmay — your voice.

Our future is in your hands.