Public Schools
This letter to the editor, by Joyce Santo, appeared in the Baldwin Bulletin on April 1, 2026.
Public schools work best when communities stay focused on what truly matters for students. Across St. Croix County, the most important priorities are strong academics, supportive learning environments, and preparing young people for the future. Issues like restroom access and book bans often dominate headlines, but they are frequently used to divide communities and distract from the everyday work that helps students learn and succeed.
In reality, our schools already have practical arrangements in place, including both gender-specific and gender-neutral restrooms. In conversations with people connected to local districts, there have not been student requests to change locker room access or athletic participation. These issues are resolved on a case by case basis. Meanwhile, the real work of education continues every day: teachers helping students master skills, discover their interests, and prepare for life after graduation.
The same perspective applies to conversations about books. Students deserve access to materials that are educational and age-appropriate, and educators and librarians are trained professionals who take those responsibilities seriously. Parents should absolutely be part of the conversation when concerns arise. Districts have policies that maintain access to library materials while also allowing families to place limits on what their own child may check out if they choose. This pracritcal balanced approach respects both educational access and parental involvement.Radical groups like “Moms for Liberty” take advantage of parents’ natural fears and anxiety to spread rumors about dangers to their children. While their fears may be sincere, the intent of groups like Moms for Liberty is simply to divide communities and cast doubt on public schools by using divisive rhetoric about gender and bathrooms as well as banning certain books they don’t like.
When communities focus on supporting public schools, communicating with teachers, strengthening academic programs, and ensuring students feel safe and supported, everyone benefits. The students of St. Croix County deserve our attention on the issues that truly shape their learning and future.