Letters To The Editor
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
Foster achievement, not victimhood
Jennifer Roseman (Letters, March 20) was reacting to the article about the Spokane Public Schools’ proposal to create gifted classes for 50 fifth- and sixth-grade students. She was concerned about Spokane’s “underrepresentation of students of color in the gifted programs and the disproportionately high number of those students in remedial programs and alternatives schools.”
Roseman added, “… choosing students through a lottery doesn’t absolve the district of the need to create a program that reflects the diversity of its student population.”
Hogwash.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome. The whole point of gifted programs is to maximize students’ potential through accelerated, challenging curricula. These programs are important for the future U.S. economy. It would be great if U.S. students had higher average math and science scores. It’s equally important that our top 1 percent be as well educated as possible because these future technological movers and shakers create additional jobs. Unfortunately, our economy can utilize only so many engineers and scientists.
We take for granted that the U.S.-based Silicon Valley is the seat of the current technological revolution. A united European economy could well be the seat of the next one if we’re complacent and squander our human resources.
It’s time to get past this ‘90s fad of “liberal McCarthyism,” wherein we never deny people their victimhood and barricade ourselves behind wholesomesounding catchwords like “diversity.”
The color of one’s skin should mean nothing. Rewarding accomplishment and hard work should mean everything. Greg Lloyd Spokane
School for gifted a poor idea
District 81 should check its priorities. “School for gifted students approved” (March 28) seemed completely absurd.
I thought District 81 was a public school district. Aren’t school district funds supposed to be used to better educate all the children enrolled, not just a select few? Why is the school board spending much-needed money on a program for “gifted” students when there is no call for it from most of the parents polled?
Furthermore, there is already a program, Tessera, for gifted students that has been around for quite some time. Is something wrong with this program or are board members just sitting on some money that’s burning a hole in their pockets? If that’s the case, there several ways they can better spend taxpayers’ dollars.
As I drive by District 81 schools, I’m amazed at the number of portable classrooms being placed on blacktops and playgrounds. It seems each year there are more and more portables being installed.
If it comes down to needing more-challenging course work for the gifted, I would rather see teachers being educated on how to fulfill this need. That would benefit students perceived as gifted and average students. Teachers would be surprised to see how much influence their treatment and perception of a student’s abilities has on the way the student performs. Kevin Kovalesky Spokane
System needs reform; Just do it
Two articles have me perplexed and angry: “Teacher to stay in class despite lewd conduct” (March 21) and “Teacher under probe hired on West Side” (March 23).
What has happened to our education system? Where was the focus lost on providing quality instruction to students?
As a parent and taxpayer, I’m very disgruntled by the current state of affairs in our schools. It’s high time to purge the system of problem teachers and get back to the business of education. School administrators must stop cowering to the almighty teachers’ unions and act in the best interest of our children. The fear of lawsuits cannot be the determining factor in dealing with ineffective or dangerous teachers.
In no other profession is there a job guarantee for life. The concept of tenure has allowed the proliferation of burned-out, unmotivated and ineffective teachers. If these teachers are unwilling to bow out gracefully, school administrators must exhibit the courage and conviction to stand up to the teachers’ unions and do what’s right, not what is easy. We must not lose sight of the fact that the public school system’s first priority is educating our children, not the protection of jobs.
It’s time to demand that our education tax dollars be spent wisely. I am fed up with feeding a system that’s out of control and in need of reform. Rather than tolerate mediocrity, let’s reward excellence and encourage the multitude of teachers who are committed to our children’s education but are being dragged down by the proverbial bad apples. Diane Delanoy Cusick, Wash.
BUSINESS AND LABOR
Breast-feeding, job can coexist
In the March 25 Spokesman-Review included an article concerning the difficulties encountered by Donna Cok in her attempts to breast-feed after returning to work. Like Cok, I am a contract therapist. My experience with breast-feeding at work has been substantially different from hers.
Administrators at Sullivan Park Care Center have been completely supportive of my efforts to continue nursing my daughter. They have provided a quiet space so I may express milk during my breaks. They allow me to use the same area to nurse her during lunch. My simple request was accommodated quickly, graciously and professionally.
Information provided by Group Health lactation consultant Marie McCarter-Witherall has enabled me to feel confident about my ability to continue nursing after returning to work. She has been an invaluable resource, as well as an enthusiastic supporter.
Continuing to breast-feed my daughter would have been difficult without the information provided by Group Health. It would have been almost impossible without the amazing support of staff members at Sullivan Park Care Center.
To women who wish to continue nursing their babies after returning to work, I offer my encouragement. It can be done.
To the administrators and staff at Sullivan Park Care Center, I offer my thanks. Nursing my daughter is important to me and I couldn’t have continued without your help. JoLynn Munro Spokane
Some rabbits are sold responsibly
I would encourage Karin Conte (Letters, March 29) her to come to Northwest Seed and Pet on Sprague. The staff there is very knowledgeable about the animals they sell.
Northwest Seed and Pet has been supportive of the Hop-To-It 4-H Rabbit Club by allowing it to hold its annual Easter bunny sale at the store. None of the proceeds of this sale goes to the store but, instead, to the 4-H child who has raised and cared for the animals.
Club members meet monthly to learn about the proper care, feeding, handling, sanitation and responsible breeding of their rabbits. Their rabbits have been socialized and selected for their temperament and adaptability to children.
4-H members talk to and educate the public in what care, time commitment and supplies are needed to raise healthy rabbits. They have developed a care booklet, written by the members, that is given with each bunny sold. Follow-up support is offered through the club so new owners are successful in caring for their pet.
It is true that some pet stores will sell to anyone. However, I have seen Northwest Seed and Pet, as well as 4-H members, discourage people from buying animals that they feel are inappropriate. Rabbits can bring joy and can help youths in the lessons of maturity and responsibility. The members of the Hop-To-It 4-H Rabbit Club are an excellent example of this. Valerie Uptagrafft, 4-H leader Chattaroy
CONSUMER ISSUES
Seniors charged for free information
A recent statement published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development warns senior citizens to be leery of anyone charging a referral fee for a home equity conversion mortgage, or HECM.
Some individuals and businesses have been taking financial advantage of seniors for simply informing them of the availability of this loan product.
Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs is the only HUD-approved counseling agency in the Spokane area. As such, SNAP offers mortgage counseling to anyone, free of charge.
Obtaining a HECM requires a signed certificate of counseling from a HUD-approved agency before the loan can be processed. However, SNAP strongly urges anyone considering any type of home loan refinancing or a reverse mortgage to contact our mortgage assistance program for a free consultation from a housing counselor - before signing any documents. Peggy Burrell, housing counselor Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs
Skiers, go where you’re treated well
Considering this winter’s abundant snowfall, I was shocked by the recent announcement from Mount Spokane Ski Resort that its last day of operation was March 23.
Perhaps local skiers should finally realize that skiing at Mount Spokane is no financial bargain, due to reduced ski time. My personal remedy for the last two seasons has been to boycott the facility and encourage friends to ski at other resorts in the area until such time that a new contract is awarded to a congenial, competent management.
Reduced operation, litter thrown off the lifts and attitudes in general that are not consistent with a fun skiing experience are just some of the reasons I fully support the long-awaited management changes. Bill Marshall Chattaroy
Ski elsewhere? Count on it
I wasn’t exactly stunned by the Mount Spokane ski area’s early closure.
It’s been clear to me, as a longtime season pass holder, that Mount Spokane Ski Corp.’s intention is to close on the earliest possible date. After all, the money was made through the sale of season passes. After the Christmas holiday, each additional day of staying open meant that much less profit.
I was introduced to the ski area in the 1970s. Until a few years ago, I preferred it to Schweitzer and Silver. I even wrote a letter to the editor of Snow Country magazine praising this mountain as a diamond in the rough, ready to be transformed into the “jewel of the Inland Northwest.”
My children learned to ski at Mount Spokane. A few years ago, we scraped up enough money to purchase a small condo. We have spent many great weekends there together.
Earlier this winter, on a local TV station, Gregg Sowder stated something to the effect that if people don’t like skiing here, they can go somewhere else.
OK, we will. As long as the current concessionaire manages the ski area, my family and the few people I may influence will never again ski at Mount Spokane - not next year, not in five years, not in 20 years.
Take away the ski patrol and the members’ families, the ski racing team and families and take away the everdwindling group of diehard, loyal skiers and what is left? Dennis R. Hegewald Spokane
STA serves wheelchair riders well
Our group acknowledges with deep appreciation Spokane Transit Authority’s recent decision to purchase new low-rider buses with access ramps. These units will open new doors to those of us who must use a wheelchair.
An estimated 12 to 20 percent of riders not in a wheelchair but whose mobility is impaired can also use such accommodation. By opening new doors of accessibility, thousands will enjoy greater freedom.
Thank you, STA. Dave Graham Polio Outreach of Spokane
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Protester made noise, not sense
On March 25, a workshop was held in Coeur d’Alene for Sen. Larry Craig’s forest health bill. A lot of good dialogue was exchanged during the three-hour meeting.
Craig had invited speakers from industry and environmental groups and there were two biologists. Several ideas were presented on how to improve title II. I felt that Craig and his staff took all of what was suggested to heart and that he felt there could be some changes to the bill.
After the workshop was over, we had to walk out of the building into a group of protestors who didn’t even have the courage to go into the workshop to hear what was being said. Yet they were bashing everything about the bill.
Craig admitted some changes to the bill are needed. That’s what the workshop was all about. He is truly trying to come up with legislation that is for the people, put together by the people, using knowledge gained from past mistakes and past victories.
We all know mistakes have been made in our forests over the years. But we all must admit that man has done good things in the forest. That is what I believe Craig is trying to use to draft this piece of legislation.
To all the folks who protested outside: Next time, come in and participate. If you still feel you need to protest, by all means, please do. But let’s start by talking, not yelling. JoLin Boswell Colville, Wash.
Since when is ‘capitalist’ pejorative?
Jason Lee (“Clinton not the only bashee,” Letters, March 27) writes: “Speaking as a Republican, as someone now widely regarded as a child-starving, environmentpolluting, senior citizen-killing, coldhearted, meanspirited, money-grubbing, bigoted, hatemongering, homophobic, capitalist, racist, fascist slimeball … I have very little sympathy for … supposed Savior of All Mankind, Bill Clinton.”
Why include “capitalist” among the many evil names which Republican Lee would so much like to disavow? What is it that Republican Lee finds so evil about capitalism?
Such disregard for capitalism is why I have very little sympathy with most Republicans, supposed Defenders of American Values. Chris Cathcart Spokane
Property tax highly questionable
In response to Richard L. Buddrius’ March 26 letter, “Homes shouldn’t be taxed”: I have wondered how citizens can be taxed on personal property repeatedly, with the property being forfeited if the taxes are not paid but have heard little on the subject.
As a younger, contributing member of our society who thinks in common-sense terms, I cannot fathom this concept. Most people’s dream is to own their own property, to use as they see fit, to reflect their lifestyle and interests, a place to call home.
If an individual cannot pay property taxes, the property is forfeited, even if the property is totally paid for? So, in common-sense thinking, a person never really owns the property.
Does this fall under the concept of a land of the free? Marc Pecora Spokane