Letters To The Editor

Thu., June 10, 1999

Reassignment a mistake

In my opinion, the East Valley School District is making a serious mistake in reassigning Shirley Olson to another position. (Valley Voice, May 22.)

It is not effective to give the scholarship responsibility to the school counselor, as many school districts already know.

In her current position Olson has not only obtained millions of dollars in scholarship money for the EV grads, but she has been the listening ear that kids need during their tough high school years.

She does not have the stigma of “counselor,” so kids have felt free to share their hurts, their dreams and their fears with her.

She’s like having their favorite aunt or neighbor sit and listen to them.

If Columbine High School in Colorado had Olson at their school, they may not have had to suffer through a terrible massacre.

She has been a safe person for the kids to talk to. Everyone I know loves her. The EV School District is not just eliminating their scholarship expert, they are eliminating the students sounding-board and confidante.

All school districts would benefit from having Olson at their school. EV will probably need to double their “professional” counseling bill, due to eliminating her position.

Whatever position you decide to put Olson in, please make sure that she continues to have the opportunity to have close, personal contact with the students. Donna L. Kiddoo Valleyford

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