Facts are needed before stones are thrown
The articles in the Daily Pilot regarding Newport Heights Elementary
School are an unfortunate example of misguided and misinformed
reporting. But it also sheds some light on issues facing our public
schools today: Lack of civility.
The incident with first-grade teacher Shannon Jay reveals not only
her immaturity and lack of candor, but the lack of maturity,
intelligence and good manners on the part of the complaining parents.
While the district cannot discuss personnel files, it appears obvious
that Jay was hired as a temporary substitute teacher to replace
another teacher on maternity leave. That teacher will be returning,
filling a position promised to her when she left. Is it possible that
a self-serving “spin” was attached to Jay’s firing story? Is it
possible that the principal, Judith Chambers, did not have the
authority to hire her permanently and that Jay refused to renew her
temporary status? It is clear that the facts are fuzzy, and probably
will remain so.
This incident was the manipulation of a small group of bossy,
spoiled, solipsistic parents and is not a pleasant or accurate
picture of Newport Heights Elementary School. Jay is no doubt unaware
that she has been used as a pawn by other insubordinate teachers in
the background, who would love to see the principal sacked. The
“divisive” atmosphere has been a subtle undercurrent since Chambers’
arrival at our school several years ago. After too many years in one
place, several teachers openly bristled at her management style and
over time have built a coalition of witting and unwitting followers.
To be sure, these teachers carefully stay below the radar and out of
the direct line of fire, innocently sowing the seeds of dissent.
What happened to the idea of setting a good example for our
children, using the time-honored protocol of straightforward
diplomacy instead of back-stabbing? Did anyone even read the Code of
Civility adopted last year by the Newport-Mesa Unified School
District board and corresponding Parent Teacher Assns.? At this level
(kindergarten through sixth grade), it still might make a difference.
Parents: What were you thinking? Temper tantrums are intolerable,
period. What happened to your respect for authority? The PTA
president, Julie Scharnell, was correct in her decision to step down.
Her apparent lack of leadership, leading up to the unfortunate events
chronicled in the Daily Pilot, is a remarkable disappointment. It
should never have come to this.
Hopefully, the public airing of this situation will help everyone
involved to take a closer look at the big picture and their important
part in it. The person appointed and most qualified to administer the
interests of the entire school, for the benefit of our children, is
the principal. In an atmosphere of teacher’s unions, shrinking
budgets, testing scores, changing neighborhoods, language barriers,
federal guidelines, and now, more and more, lack of civility and
respect, the job of principal is no easy task. We have to empower
principals to make tough decisions, even if we disagree. It is called
the “rule of law,” and we should all be learning it at least by sixth
grade.
I often have to make unpopular decisions that my children consider
unfair or without good reason. But sometimes I actually know more
than they do about a situation. And when I am wrong, I have to live
with it. For the sake of the students, teachers and administrators at
Newport Heights, I would urge a “back to basics” approach to the
“controversy” covered by the Daily Pilot. And to parent Kim Miller:
Shame on you, girlfriend! If you can’t say something nice ... mind
your own performance reviews.
KATIE ANDERSON
Costa Mesa
* EDITOR’S NOTE: Katie Anderson is a parent of graduates of
Newport Heights.
It was unfortunate to see Newport Heights Elementary School on the
front page of the Pilot, with some parents calling the school
divisive and lacking leadership. I recall how thrilled the parents
were when Judith Chambers was hired as principal of Newport Heights
Elementary School. Not only did she have stellar credentials, she was
a hands-on administrator, easily accessible and always put her
students first.
Chambers invited parents to morning coffees in her office, where
ideas could be exchanged and parents could have an opportunity to get
to know their principal. She went to all of the school events,
frequently in themed costume, and once dressed as the Statue of
Liberty, to the delight of the students. On weekends, it was her car
that was frequently seen in the parking lot.
Our children enjoyed their years at Newport Heights, had wonderful
teachers and a principal who will be fondly remembered. I’m sure
everyone wants what is best for the students and will come together
toward that end so that energies can be spent in a more positive way.
ELLEN READER
Costa Mesa
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