As a forest manager for over 20 years, I appreciate the complexities of the ecosystem in which we are fortunate to live. A forest system involves a complex balance to grow and flourish — from ancient snow-capped mountaintops to the delicate forest floor in which young seedlings need nourishment to take root each year.

I draw a similar analogy to the complexities of sustaining a healthy school system. It takes seasoned education professionals who can adapt to seasons of change, together with involved families and community support, to ensure our children have the “nourishment” and foundation they need to grow and prosper into contributing adults themselves.

I feel that Superintendent Joel Aune, the administration staff, principals of our schools and our teachers have done an outstanding job of developing, teaching, nourishing, and sustaining our Snoqualmie Valley students. I’ve seen up close, as a former school board member and parent of two children who have graduated from our schools, that our academic initiative produces the highest quality of students in the state and country.

I am writing this letter because, sadly, some in our community continue to attack the efforts of the district as it is trying to move our schools forward. The ongoing negativity is only hurting our students, undermining our educators who have devoted their lives to doing what’s best for children, and weakening our special community.

Instead, our schools need our collective positive support, as they work to implement changes that help prepare our students for a changing world. This community needs to be part of the solution that supports our professional educators in their important work to create the best possible educational experience for our children. We need to put our energy toward helping our schools be successful in their momentum and innovation.

Just as forces must work together to respect and sustain the health of a forest, we must work together as a community to respect and sustain our schools. With positive support, we can ensure the health and well-being of our community’s most important resource—its children.

Rudy Edwards

North Bend

Former SVSD 410 board member