Guest Letter: An Letter to the Indianola School Board
- Apr 1, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 23, 2025
Written by Deb Schiel-Larson
This is a letter to the Indianola school board regarding their use of Native mascots/imagery. It was shared with Great Plains Action Society by Indianola community member Deb Schiel-Larson. We at GPAS are incredibly grateful for the work folks are doing and welcome your letters. It is important and we appreciate it! Please feel free to share your letters with us, email to jengelking@greatplainsaction.org
Dear Dr. Sathoff and members of the Indianola School Board; Thank you for your hard work. Congratulations to both Art Sathoff and Ted Ihns. As agreed last year, prior to the November elections, we believe it is now time to continue the discussion regarding whether to remove or keep the Indianola “Indians.” We would like to suggest that a planning committee be formed now that would report to the Superintendent and School Board, consisting of interested school board members, students and community members who equally represent all sides of the discussion. Here are proposed committee goals: 1. Information needed: Clarify the information that the School Board and the Community would like to review in this discussion and identify where to obtain it. 2. Topics and Speakers: Identify proposed topics and speakers for the forums, including individuals outside our community and our state. 3. Schedule: Propose dates and times for the forums, with the first one prior to the end of the current 2021-2022 school year to prioritize student participation. 4. Location: Establish a location for the forums that could include Zoom presentations, since some speakers will not be able to travel. 5. Moderator: Invite a moderator for the forums who would work to maintain a welcoming and safe space for discussions. 6. Decision-Making Framework: Establish the criteria to be used for decision-making regarding whether to remove or keep the Indianola “Indians” that includes the Indianola School District’s (ICSD) Vision, Mission and Beliefs as follows: The ICSD’s Vision: Proud Traditions . . Unlimited Possibilities The ICSD’s Mission: Indianola CSD is Committed to Excellence and Achieving a Lifetime of Success The ICSD’s Beliefs: We will put students first. We will meet the needs of all students so that they can learn at high levels and be prepared for next steps along the way. We will provide safe and supportive schools. We will be fiscally responsible and thoughtful about resource allocation. Our actions will reflect our beliefs. I’d like to personally volunteer and participate in this planning committee. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Deb Schiel-Larson Indianola, IA
I really appreciate the balanced tone of this open letter and how it encourages constructive dialogue rather than division, especially on a sensitive issue like the use of Native imagery in schools. The suggestion to form a diverse committee with students, community members, and experts is a thoughtful way to ensure all perspectives are heard and decisions are made responsibly . It reminds us how important respectful conversations and informed decision-making are in education today. As students often engage with such complex topics through writing tasks, many turn to Assignment help services to better understand how to present arguments clearly and respectfully; platforms like New Assignment Help UK can support learners in developing these critical skills while encouraging deeper awareness…
This letter is such a powerful and constructive example of community advocacy done right. Deb's proposal for a balanced planning committee — one that includes students, community members, and diverse perspectives — reflects exactly the kind of inclusive decision-making our schools need more of. It's refreshing to see someone approach a sensitive topic with structure, respect, and a genuine commitment to dialogue rather than division. The reference to the school district's own mission and beliefs as a decision-making framework is particularly smart; holding institutions accountable to their own stated values is always compelling. As someone who often works with students navigating complex social issues academically, I'd even say resources like a Finance Assignment Writing Service UK teach a similar lesson…
I wonder what led to this point. Reading this on my commute, it reminds me of debates back home. Maybe a thoughtful committee is the best approach for this fruit break situation?
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Thank you for this well-reasoned letter. The proposal of forming a planning committee with balanced representation is a thoughtful way forward. I hope the school board embraces this path and engages the community in meaningful dialogue.
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