Evaluating the District’s Evaluation of Teacher in Creationism Dispute

Capistrano Unified has embarked upon a dangerous and foolhardy course by using John Peloza’s personnel evaluation against him because of his views on creationism (“Teacher In Lawsuit Disputes Evaluation,” Jan. 4). I am quite sure that many teachers will recognize this unfortunate story as having a familiar ring to it.

As is the case with a number of school administrators, when bullying and harassment aren’t effective in bringing an outspoken or politically involved teacher into line, they trump up a negative review of their classroom observation and evaluation. It is interesting to note, in this case, that Mr. Peloza’s prior evaluation was more than satisfactory. In fact, it was outstanding.

The public should recognize the district’s position for what it is--harassment, pure and simple. Their “we’ll show him” attitude is so petty and unproductive. Peloza will most certainly be victorious in the arbitration of this pitiful situation. As was the case with one of his teaching colleagues in the same district, which was also reported by The Times, the administration’s cruel and unprofessional tactics are now resulting in them having to cough up a considerable amount of money because of their misguided actions.

The elected trustees of Capistrano Unified should move quickly to straighten out Peloza’s administrative superiors who obviously haven’t read the district master agreement too carefully. People should be appalled by this and, hopefully, some constituents will remember what their board has sanctioned at election time.

In the meantime, Mr. Peloza should consider contacting the grand jury or other interested agencies that look into job discrimination. Regardless of his views concerning the creationism/evolution debate, he should not be penalized or marked down in areas of his professional performance evaluation that have no relation whatsoever to the issue in question.

KENT S. MOORE, Corona del Mar. Kent Moore is work experience coordinator for the Tustin Unified School District.