HARRISONBURG VA: (ROCKTOWN NOW) – More than 500 parents, grandparents, and guardians of students in Rockingham County Schools have signed an open letter blasting the board’s decision last night to enact a new policy for challenging classroom materials.
The board voted 4-1 last night to establish a review process where parents can attempt to have controversial materials removed from schools.
WSVA has obtained a copy of the letter, which was organized by resident Ashley Gordon-Becker. In it, signatories state that the school board is failing to “ensure the best possible educational environment” for county students.
They also ask the board to “reconsider its approach” to the matter, urging members to “heed their concerns” and work toward a more “collaborative and inclusive” school environment.

The following is the letter sent to the school board.

We, the over 500 undersigned parents/guardians/grandparents of students attending
Rockingham County Public Schools, have deep concerns about the current state of
affairs within our school system. Deeply invested in the education and well-being of our
children, we feel compelled to express our perspectives and advocate for positive
change.
We understand that members of the school board were elected by the citizens of
Rockingham County to represent our interests and ensure the best possible educational
environment for our children. However, recent actions and decisions have fallen short of
this mandate.
It is imperative that the school board operates in an open, transparent, and supportive
manner, not only for teachers and staff but also for parents/guardians, students, and the
broader community. We entrust our children to the care of educators and expect that
decisions made will prioritize their best interests.
We are troubled by the manner in which certain policies have been implemented. The
lack of proper planning and execution has resulted in confusion and frustration among
parents and students alike. Moreover, the politicization of certain issues, such as the
evaluation of library books, undermines the integrity of our educational system.
Furthermore, the characterization of teachers as political adversaries and the
dissemination of false narratives about their conduct in the classroom is unacceptable.
Teachers deserve our respect and support.
We are also troubled by attempts to limit public discourse and transparency within the
school board. Moving public comment to the end of meetings and restricting the
number of speakers only serves to silence concerned voices and hinder constructive
dialogue.
We have serious reservations about the long-term consequences of the school board’s
actions. We fear that talented educators will be driven away and that the reputation of
our school system will suffer. The morale for those who stay may also be seriously
undermined, weakening our excellent system.
We urge the school board to reconsider its approach:
● Seek input from experienced educators, parents, and other stakeholders when
making decisions that impact our children’s education.
● Conduct themselves in a professional manner, both in official capacities and on
social media platforms.
● Serve as positive role models for our children by prioritizing the common good
and mutual respect over political agendas.
● Support and empower teachers in their mission to provide quality education.
● Uphold the principles of equality, equity, and opportunity within our public school
system.
We implore the school board to heed our concerns and work towards fostering a more
collaborative and inclusive educational environment for our children. Our collective
future depends on it