THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, March 18, 1996 TAG: 9603150027
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
As a former teacher, coach and administrator of the Virginia Beach public schools for 22 years, I am distressed by the news articles that have appeared almost daily for the past eight months.
While public confidence in education seems very low in Virginia Beach, I think it is important to make an important distinction between the school system and the schools.
The school system, without a doubt, has had fiscal recklessness and inept leadership. The schools, on the other hand, have maintained quality instruction in the face of vicious criticism and eroding support.
Each of the schools in Virginia Beach has exceptional teachers, administrators and staff members. These are the dedicated individuals who deliver instruction, provide emotional support to children each day and work extra hours to ensure student academic and social success. They work tirelessly each night and weekends, grading papers and making phone calls or visits to parents too busy to become involved in their child's life.
These educators should not be held responsible or to blame for the fiscal irresponsibility of a few individuals who blatantly disregarded state law and sound business practices. Virginia Beach still has outstanding schools; it's the system that failed the public, teachers and students.
B. HARPER DONAHOE, principal
Franklin High School
Chesapeake, Feb. 29, 1996 by CNB