Seems to me, school board members don’t care about students’ education, but come armed to the teeth to oust a good superintendent because they don’t like them, let alone the millions to buy out the contract, which the school has to pay for.
We taxpayers are paying for all the salaries at the school district and no one complains, nor is there an agenda item to vote on the issue.
What’s going on here? Are we just going to sit here like we’ve been doing for decades and let this happen?
We, the people who are voting for these ISD board people should have a say in this. The board just can’t come in and do what they want, get rid of someone who is much more educated in academics than they.
What’s wrong with you people? Get out there and start complaining about this. It isn’t fair to the students or the superintendent.
Oscar Saenz
Edinburg
Youth mental
health crisis
I feel compelled to bring a pressing concern to the forefront of discussion among your readers — the alarming rise in mental health issues among our younger generation. The increasing rates of depression, anxiety and, most tragically, suicides among our youth cannot be overlooked. This urgent problem calls for immediate recognition and resolute action from all sectors of our society.
Our young people today grapple with myriad pressures. The overwhelming emphasis on academic achievement in schools, the pervasive influence of social media and the harsh realities of both virtual and real-life bullying are among the numerous challenges they face. These issues are further amplified by the large-scale global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which have drastically altered the fabric of their everyday lives.
Schools, traditionally a place for nurturing growth and development, often become hotbeds of stress. With a laser-like focus on grades and test scores, we may miss the crucial fact that our young ones are not merely students, but individuals with complex emotional needs.
Simultaneously, the rise of social media platforms has opened a new arena for bullying, making it more sinister and relentless. Cyberbullying, faceless and incessant, leaves no place for our youth to retreat to safety. These digital platforms expose them to a stream of idealized depictions of life and unrealistic body images, leading to significant blows to their self-esteem. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing social isolation and disrupting normal routines, have layered additional psychological stress on our young people. They are navigating the fear and uncertainty brought about by the virus while missing out on vital stages of their social and emotional development.
We cannot ignore this alarming trend. The future health of our society depends on the mental well-being of our youth. It is our responsibility — as parents, educators, policymakers and community members — to step up. We must emphasize mental health education, enforce strong anti-bullying measures, foster digital literacy and guarantee that mental health resources are accessible for all our young people.
As we take on this task, let’s keep in mind that our children are our future. Ensuring their mental well-being is not just an act of empathy, it is a commitment to building a healthier, stronger society.
Reyes Castillo
Pastor
Gathering of the Redeemed Church
San Benito
LETTERS — Limit letters to 300 words; all letters are subject to editing. Mail: P.O. Box 3267, McAllen, TX78502-3267; Email: [email protected]
