Vashon Island School District Superintendent Michael Soltman should not agree to settle with these families. If he does, it is an admission of some wrongdoing that I am absolutely sure was never committed. I have two children that have gone through the district from kindergarten through high school, one student graduated last year and is in his first year of college, and I have a junior going to Vashon High School and Seattle Central to finish with an AS degree. I have loved and supported the VISD school system for 13 years: I have been part of fundraisers, volunteered, voted for taxes on my property and always supported our education system. I moved here when I was pregnant for the quality of life and the fantastic schools. It has worked for my family and many others I have befriended through the journey of our children’s education.

Please do not give these families one penny for their horrendous accusations. My son is gay — he came out when he was in eighth grade — one of my daughters best friends is now undergoing gender reassignment and they all go to or have gone through your school while you were in command. I had no idea this would be my life when I was young, pregnant and building a family, I just knew I loved this island and wanted the best public school to raise kids. I found it.

If the school gives into this coercive behavior and rewards people like this in any way, it is a slap in the face to families like mine who have supported, payed for, donated to and advocated for, our school district. Use our money instead to countersue for a frivolous lawsuit.

— Marcia England