- Another perspective given on issues at Mona Elementary
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By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A letter addressing the Juab School District Board of Education was read to the board and district patrons at the beginning of board meeting on Wednesday.
Kylene Jones, patron of the Mona Elementary, wrote to board members in protest of the article which appeared in the local newspaper reporting on a presentation to the board by Shawna Weaver, another patron of Mona Elementary.
"This communication is intended to let a different voice be heard," wrote Jones. "I understand the nature of the news media, but is is highly unfortunate that this was reported in such a manner."
Weaver last month, said she had tried to solve the issues that she had on a school level and had failed and, therefore, she had brought her issues to the school board to air them.
Jones addressed each of those issues with a different veiwpoint than the one presented by Weaver.
"I have had four children attend Mona Elementary," she wrote. "Currently I have a second grader and two sixth graders there. One sixth grade twin in Mrs. Bradley's class and one in Mr. Fowkes' class."
She said that she was aware of some of the issues that have occurred with stealing in the sixth grade, one of the concerns raised by Weaver.
"Personally, I was highly impressed with the way that things have been handled. There has been great respect shown to all of the students in a difficult situation," she wrote.
"The comments of financial non-compliance were also surprising to me," said Jones. "I helped with the Santa's Secret Workshop and was highly impressed at how well the money was handled according to policy."
One of the concerns on Weaver's list of issues she brought before the board was that there did not seem to be the necessary checks and balances in place when it came to the funds that the PAC had raised for the school.
Last month, Weaver reported that she was concerned about the safety of students at the Mona Elementary School because just anyone could walk through the front door while school was in session.
She suggested that the front foyer be locked down after school starts.
"The final comment about security was also a bit disturbing," wrote Jones. "The security at the school is good. Nila (Keyte, school secretary) always knows exactly who is in the builidng at all times, except when there are large public functions. She knows everyone's names and faces."
Jones said there was a check-in procedure that is routinely followed.
"I happened to be at the school during a lockdown drill recently," she wrote. "Wow! That was impressive! If someone really wants in that building a locked front door will not stop him. However, consider the number of parents and students coming and going on a regular basis."
"I strongly urge you not to turn our schools into prisons," said Jones.
She said that Mona Elementary was an outstanding school.
"I have never been so impressed with a school as a whole," she said. "I have 11 children (ages 31 down to 8) and have lived in school districts in California, Orem, Provo, and now here in Mona. My children have attended a variety of public, private, and charter schools. Mona is by far the best elementary school we have ever attended."
She said that Mary Wohlforth, principal of the school, was impressive both in dealing with students and parents. Issues were dealt with timely and effectively.
"She is supportive and shows genuine loving care to each of the students," said Jones. "I am highly impressed."
"Thank you for listening to another perspective," she wrote. "No situation is perfect, but Mona Elementary is a top notch school and I am grateful that my children have an opportunity to attend it."
Alicen Allred, board member from Mona, said she appreciated the superintendent reading the letter into the minutes.
"I am happy that you did that while we had a large number of Mona parents in the audience to see their children honored with certificates of excellence this night," she said.
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