‘Respect and Reason’ Lacking in Arcadia School Discussion

We attended the presentation at Hugo Reid Elementary School by the Arcadia Unified School District’s task force concerning the proposed changes for Arcadia’s schools. We were greatly disappointed by the emotional and irrational manner in which audience members reacted to the presentation.

Members of the audience were disrespectful to the speakers and the speakers were given little opportunity to explain their reasons for the numerous proposals. Calm deliberation was needed but was absent because of the emotionally charged atmosphere.

Whatever the final solution, there is no excuse for lack of respect and reason. All sides should be heard and should be willing to listen.

The proposals provide new concepts concerning our children’s education. We realize that this is a very emotional issue but feel that the community needs to give the volunteer members of the task force credit for their hours of hard work.

The task force did not purport to come up with a perfect solution; rather, it offered its best proposals for review.

A solution must be found to resolve the many serious issues that face our school district. However, no solution will be found unless consideration of the proposals is approached in a reasonable and rational manner.

BARBARA KOVACIC

and seven others

Arcadia