Our daughter has her own opinions

Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to comments made on the Daily Mail's Web site by "Concerned." My daughter wrote a letter to the editor about the NEVC school issue, that was in the Oct. 27 edition of the paper. We have raised a very intelligent, mature and independent young lady that I am extremely proud of. At almost 18 years of age, she has opinions of her own and is not afraid to express them. She knows very well that you do not share her opinion, she did not ask you to.

I find it very offensive for you to say that she is not being taught life lessons at NEVC or at home. She was not asked by anyone to write what she did. She has been following this all along, just like everyone else. She finally had enough of all the untruths that were being spread to the voters in our district. After reading that brochure, she felt the need to speak up.

You also said that if the school was doing their job, that it shouldn't be surprising that they "turn out a bright one every once in a while." I guarantee you that she is just one of many bright kids at NEVC. They all have minds of their own, they do not need to "echo" what they hear from parents and teachers. Maybe they feel the same way!

Yes, she did not address your right as a taxpayer in her letter, most of these kids haven't, they are commenting on what affects them. Yes, you had the right to say you don't want your taxes raised; but it should be my right to choose where my kids go to school. You don't seem to get that. I am quite sure that you are one of millions across the United States that pay taxes to a school district that they have no part of, maybe that is a life lesson you should learn.

One more thing, in response to two letters to the editor in the last week, I am so tired of your group telling us that this is what is coming in the future for all small schools. Who says? Who says that it is any time soon? I seem to recall an official from the Department of Education saying that they had NO issues with us.

I personally don't think that we should all just sit back and let them herd our kids into large schools just because the state and federal government cannot manage our money better. Maybe that should be their problem to figure out, not ours.

These kids are used to learning in a small-school environment and have excelled at it.

How can becoming just a face in the crowd be in the best interest of our kids? We need to keep our small schools, especially one's that are accredited, financially in good standing and are well-loved by students, teachers and parents!

I will be voting NO to annexation on Nov. 2. This issue is on the backside of the ballot, so please be sure not to miss it.

Proud NEVC parent,

Renee Ast