Editorials / Opinions

We appreciate the fact that the SCHS&FLA Board has achieved many of their goals, some of which they do not mention among their achievements.

However, we are particularly disturbed by this Boards June 16th meeting in Forest City to change the associations bylaws to erase membership participation and to replace the crucial "administrator/librarian" position with a CEO position that is still held by a volunteer from the Board who plans on staying on the Board. This meeting was never announced at a public Board meeting.

This Board has done everything they can to discourage people from attending a vote on their appointed Board members from last January. Changing the date several times. And then, at the last minute, they changed the definition of a voting member supporter FOR SOME. If you happened to find out by word of mouth of this change you could buy a vote for a penny. However, if you "Donated" online you are told that you need to pay $25 in order to vote.

We feel that these goals, stated and otherwise, have come at a cost. The costs: Very little transparency. Divisive "parental rights" policy changes. Divisive display decisions. Backroom meetings that have caused longtime patrons (and taxpayers) to feel unwelcome and distrustful. Their complete disregard for others' points of view. Little follow through (like not posting proper minutes, special meeting minutes, and new bylaws on their website after promising to do so).

This Board appears to be run by a few of their members thereby negating consensus and keeping "others" of their own Board at arms' length, if at all. All of them were invited to meet with a group of concerned supporters of the library but only five were allowed to join in the meeting. Nothing was gained by this meeting as these current five members do not feel any obligation to run a welcoming library that adheres to the rules and obligations of the State of Pennsylvania such as hiring a librarian with an MSL degree.

This Board touts their goals which sound laudable, but they are missing the most important goal, a library and historical society that opens our entire community to the wonders of Susquehanna County, the State of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America. As well as the entire world.

Please don't vote for this slate of SCHS&FLA Board Member candidates on January 17th. Let's return our library and historical society to a welcoming and educational place for all.

Sincerely Concerned SCHS&FLA Supporters,

Kate Bouman, Vickie Calby, George Conner, Janet Gere, Jerry Gere, John Hotvedt, Kenneth Lattimore, Cornelia Page, Barbara Scott, Eddie Smith, Steve Spero, Bob Truman, Linda Truman, Linda Whitney

I would like to take a moment to thank the school districts across our county for being safe and supportive places for our children to learn and grow.

In a time when many communities are facing uncertainty, it matters deeply to know that our schools remain places of stability, care and protection. Our children deserve environments where they can focus on learning, building friendships and becoming good citizens – without fear. Thanks to the dedication of our educators, administrators, staff and local leaders, that is exactly what our schools provide.

This sense of safety extends well beyond the classroom. Our libraries, parks, and public spaces are welcoming places for families, and our local police work to ensure that our community remains secure and approachable. These shared spaces reflect a culture of care and responsibility. We do not fear walking on our streets because we know our community values and protects its children.

It is important to pause and recognize what is working. Our schools, libraries, parks, and public servants together demonstrate a collective commitment to education, safety, and the well-being of our youngest residents.

Thank you to everyone – seen and unseen – who helps make our county a place where children can learn, grow and feel secure.

Sincerely,

Laura Squier, Bridgewater Township, PA