Schools are not just places to learn, they’re the heart of community
The closure of both Putnam Elementary and Morehead Middle Schools in El Paso ISD cuts deeper than I expected — it’s like watching the foundation of my story be erased. These weren’t just buildings. They were the spaces where I first felt seen, discovered my love of learning, where curiosity was nurtured, and where lifelong friendships and values were formed. Those “buildings” gave me a sense of belonging that I continue to carry with me.I understand school boards are being forced to make painful decisions. As the state continues to underfund public education, communities are left to grapple with impossible choices. But knowing the reason doesn’t lessen the grief.
As I finish my 18th year as an educator in Austin, I’m watching my own district face similar decisions. I’ve spent my whole life in public schools — first as a student, now as a teacher — and I know what schools mean to the neighborhoods they serve. They’re not just places to learn; they’re the heart of community, memory, and hope.I hope we can return to a time when public schools are celebrated, not closed. When we invested in them not only because of their test scores or efficiency, but because of what they make possible for generations to come. Our schools deserve more than survival — they deserve to thrive.In solidarity with our public schools, Tania Tasneem
Austin, Texas
Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows presides before adjourning Sine Die on the last day of the 89th Texas Legislature at the Capitol in Austin, Monday, June 2, 2025.
Stop politicians from imposing their religion on others
This legislative session, Texas state House Republicans voted to keep an unenforceable state ban on same same sex activity. Texas Republicans also passed a ban on LGBTQ student clubs. In light of these acts can Texas Republicans be any more hostile to LGBTQ rights than they are now?
We are on the cusp of mandating the 10 Commandments in every public-school room in the state. Can someone tell me why a 5-year-old should be told not to covet his neighbor’s ox or wife or not to commit adultery or to have no other Gods? What business is it of the government telling students if they can work or not on a Sabbath or make graven images?
Of course, bans on murder or theft are good but they are universal rules with no need to root in religion, especially the religion of powerful politicians. Texas has effectively become a Christian theocracy where if you aren’t a Christian nationalist, you are inferior in rights and liberty be it a Christian who isn’t a Christian nationalist, or a Muslim, an atheist and especially if you are gay or transgender.
It is time for Texans who don’t want to go back to the 12th century to take a stand and stop politicians in the state Legislature from imposing their religion on others.
Jerome Mccollom
West El Paso
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: LETTERS: Schools are heart of community; stop imposing religion on others