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