I enlisted in the Navy in 1979 when women were still fighting to be respected, and I had to work hard to earn the respect of my male peers and even harder to earn the respect of the men who reported to me.
While in the Navy, I saw firsthand what it was like for women in other countries who had to submit to the desires of men and were subservient to men who controlled everything. Their only hope for freedom and dignity was to marry a Navy Sailor.
After being discharged in 1985, I began building a career in accounting where I was paid at times 40% less than men. I once received a poor review because my handwriting wasn’t “feminine and pretty”. Or being the only woman in a meeting and all eyes turning to me because someone needed a cup of coffee.
Then there is the influence of growing up in a home with a father who ruled with his fist and a belt that formed my abhorrence for injustice, my determination to prove I was an equal and subservient to no one.
I’ve lived what discrimination is, the harm that injustice does and how shame and ridicule leave you feeling invisible. This is what drives me so hard to fight for others when I see injustice, someone’s voice being silenced or being unfairly treated.
As women, we have made tremendous progress in athletics and business the last few decades because of policies like Title IX. Now we have a responsibility to respect those positive gains for young women, while developing policies to promote and protect trans athletes and students.
I can’t believe any board member would support any student being shamed or ridiculed into silence. Why then is it an issue to ensure our female athletes’ voices are heard?
I empathize with the children who are dealing with gender dysphoria and are trying to find their place in the world as they and their parents seek treatment that is based on medical protocols that have worked for decades.
As one member of the school board, I believe we have an obligation to find solutions to protect all students. Shouldn’t we all care about fairness and safety when it comes to student athletes and all student well-being? How can we as a board turn a blind eye to an injustice to even one young woman or one trans student? Is it not the board’s responsibility to solve these issues?
While this issue is of significant importance, the district is simultaneously facing many critical issues.
Did you know third grade proficiency for reading remains below 50% for students? Imagine trying to learn 4th grade math when your reading comprehension is only at the 1st or 2nd grade level? We should at a minimum be directing more resources to help these students read at grade level. Why is this topic not on the agenda every month until we have a reasonable solution?
There is also the bond which is needed to build a new school in Berthoud, remodel schools, ensure all schools are safe and to complete major repairs. I am ready to support a bond, and I am asking my fellow board members to consider the following suggestions.
The post-election survey highlighted the need for changing the way financial information is reported to rebuild trust with taxpayers. A simple suggestion would be a monthly report to the board for all funds including the budget vs actual spending. Another suggestion would be for the board to establish a financial advisory committee and strengthen the audit committee. Many public boards of education have permanent finance and audit committees.
The truth is the district has many issues in need of the board’s focused attention, and I am only one vote. I will continue raising these issues and offering to work to find reasonable solutions for all of them.
These aren’t partisan issues. These are issues about the overall well being of the students, parents, taxpayers and supporters of the district. We have an obligation to them to start solving the problems confronting the district.
Nancy Rumfelt
Director District C
Thompson School Board
970-691-3446 Cell Phone
Note: I do not speak for or on behalf of the school board and the contents of this email are my personal opinions, perspective or statement as an individual board member.