Speak up: Readers opine on voucher, Freestone, townhomes

Higley board approves journalism conference travel over DEI objection

ESA schools are not the only "wasted education funds" Plenty of misuse of Public Education funding, too. — D and C D.

More money that is suppose to go towards the students education and not to the administration or items of their specific choosing! That's just part of why the public school system is failing our children! — Ronda K.

To be clear. This is not a DEI conference, it is a journalism conference. It is a teacher who is nationally recognized and presenting at said conference due to the national recognition WFHS has received for their yearbook. It is absolutely a conference that will (positively) impact student experience, connecting our teacher with other experts in the field. Also, it is a professional development opportunity, which every teacher is expected to participate in. Please be informed on the what is happening before randomly commenting on the issue. — Kathleen R.

He's the teacher of an award-winning program — who will be presenting at the national conference. The entire cost is less than $2k. This is a great achievement for Higley, and we should be proud to have such fantastic educators!!! — Mindy B.

Every comment I hear about DEI wants to suggest that minorities benefit from DEI. Do your research. White women benefit the most from DEI and second to that is white men. Go research it. — Rachel M.

Enough with the spin. You are arguing against something Anna Van Hoek never said. Anna specifically acknowledged that Mr. Adams' presentation was about design principles and was directly related to journalism instruction. Her objection was to spending District CTE funds on travel to a conference that also offers an official DEI Certificate and DEI programming. That's not speculation; the conference advertises it. So Kathleen's claim that people need to “be informed” before commenting is particularly ironic. Anna was informed. She identified the presentation, acknowledged its relevance to journalism, identified the DEI programming, explained exactly what she objected to funding, and then voted accordingly. And Mindy, saying he's an award-winning educator presenting at a national conference, doesn't rebut a single concern she raised. Nobody disputed his award or the subject of his presentation. The issue was whether taxpayers should pay nearly $2,000 for this particular conference. You don't have to agree with her vote. But repeatedly changing what she actually said so you have something easier to attack is dishonest. The meeting record is right there for everyone to see. — Amanda W.

Gilbert relocates Freestone wildlife during major lake renovation

Gilbert didn't do anything to relocate the wildlife; volunteers from Crystal’s Critter Haven and other wildlife rescues found out and took action with their own money and time. If Gilbert truly cared about the wildlife they displaced, they should help fund these rescues for taking in these helpless animals. These rescues we depend on when we find sick or injured animals are not funded by any government agencies and are solely funded by donations and volunteers. Stop trying to take credit for something you didn't do, Gilbert. — David P.

Hurray for wildlife! — William S.

Definitely needed as the lakes at Freestone are absolutely disgusting. — Jon B.

Gilbert approves 171 townhomes in Power Ranch

At least they are build-to-sale instead of build-to-rent. — Shane H.

Does Gilbert even have any open areas left? — Michael S.

They approved LESS dwellings on the land. Low cost housing would be much denser. I think it’s a better idea than what it was originally zoned. — Barbara W.

More strain on the water supply. Stop building. — Charlotte J.