School Officials’ Priorities Challenged

Re the long wait for the continuation school to be built in South Gate (“Odyssey High School Name Fit Too Well,” Oct. 31).

It seems much of the taxpayer money that could go to bettering schools is wasted. What clear-minded parent would want to send their children to a place that puts their children’s lives in jeopardy? A place where violence and murder is all too common? One murder is too many!

How can children be expected to learn where, in the back of their minds, lurks the potential of violence? What are public schools doing to stop school violence?

Teachers are trained to teach, not be police officers, bouncers, parole officers or social workers. School officials claim they don’t have the funds to keep schools safe. Is that the case or is public money used improperly?

Teachers are also part of the problem. They seem to have abrogated their responsibility. Why don’t teachers demand safe schools? Why isn’t school safety part of contract negotiations?

The administrators have to take the lead in making schools a safe place to learn. Parents need to work with schools to foster a positive attitude in students. No excuses.

H. KURLAND, San Bernardino