Letters : The Demise of a School Principal

It is most unfortunate when one of the finest principals in the system is suddenly branded a “bad administrator” and is removed from a school by officials who seem to have bowed to the desires of the United Teachers of Los Angeles.

It seems odd in an era when parents and others are demanding higher standards of behavior, homework and academics that school officials would remove principals who are strong in those areas.

In particular I am familiar and concerned with the situation regarding Barbara Roe, the former principal of Riverside Elementary. I find it strange that a small minority of union teachers were able to persuade or influence Harry Handler and others to remove Miss Roe, even though there was a vast majority in favor of her policies.

It seems apparent that UTLA had some influence in this case and of particular concern is UTLA President Wayne Johnson’s statement about “bad administrators.” What is a “bad administrator”? In this case it seems to be one that went against the desires of a handful of union teachers.

If this be the new trend, I am fearful for principals all over the city. Will they now find they cannot run their schools as they see fit for fear of reprisals from the teachers’ union? This seems to me a dangerous precedent to set. Are there perhaps teachers all over the district who now realize that, since it can be done at Riverside Elementary, it can be done at their own school as well?

Furthermore, it is interesting that Miss Roe’s track record seemed to have no bearing at all in this case. If one were to visit her former school, Reseda Elementary, one would find a school which the district and the community points to with pride. During Miss Roe’s tenure as principal, academic achievement was high, the grounds and buildings were lovely and immaculate and included a farm and flower/vegetable garden, the PTA was large and active, volunteers were numerous and from various age groups and walks of life, holidays were celebrated with enthusiasm, awards for various phases of school life were numerous, and student, faculty, parent and community morale was extremely high. Students’ needs, rights and concerns were a top priority. In short, a marvelous school which any parent would love to send a child to. Was this all accomplished by accident, magic or coincidence? No, not hardly. I know that those involved with Reseda Elementary know that this was due to the dedicated and extremely capable efforts of Barbara Roe.

Reseda Elementary did not become this model school overnight. It took time, hard work and considerable amount of effort. Evidently the students at Riverside Elementary will be denied this opportunity, at least under Miss Roe’s guidance.

After this shocking example of democracy, I will not be surprised if we see the demise of any principal that is strong, creative and willing to stand for the right.

SUSAN DAVIS

Reseda