Dear Editor,

The Post Independent’s May 5 editorial questioning our School Board’s initial actions with Coach Johnson may apply to a similar decision regarding the physical education teacher at Bea Underwood Elementary School, Mrs. Karen Schreiber.

I think your comments are right on, so this is simply my commentary and opinion in response to your question as to why their contracts were terminated.

Volunteer tutoring has provided a change of pace in my retirement years, following a corporate career in sales, marketing and management spanning over 40 years; so, when the school district needed substitute teachers, I signed up to help out because I love working with kids.

I’ve become a regular substitute for Mrs. Schreiber, because PE is not a popular subbing assignment. On every occasion, she provides a detailed daily plan with instructions that are complete in every respect.

Anyone observing her classes would agree that she uses creativity in adapting a variety of activities that apply to different ages and skill levels. She also exercises appropriate discipline to assure safety. I have high regard for her job performance, her relationship with students, as well as her dedication to her work.

So much for the commentary, now for the opinion.

Job performance should be the primary consideration in every evaluation and/or firing decision. Unlike Johnson’s situation, with Schreiber, there, as yet, has been no public outcry – but there may be!

Regardless, it is this writer’s opinion that both initial decisions were simply based upon on politics.

Richard D. Doran

Parachute