Mr. Madrid’s Opus Ending on High Note

Back in 1963, Ernest Madrid was among the 100 or so teachers who opened Chatsworth High School, a new campus that still smelled of fresh paint, surrounded by vineyards and cornfields.

The 59-year-old business teacher recalled being especially excited about teaching typing on electric typewriters.

Friday, Madrid--surrounded by computers--shared fond memories with students and faculty members who came to say goodbye. After 33 years, Madrid is retiring.

The IBMs and Macintosh computers now used to teach word processing are just one sign of the changes that have swept through Chatsworth High School. His colleagues say they are losing more than just a fine teacher: Madrid, the last of the school’s original teacher corps, takes with him a huge slice of campus history.

“He’s going to leave a void,” Assistant Principal Sharon Smith said. “He’s an outstanding professional, and he’s been much liked and respected by students over the years.”

Students and teachers also praised Madrid.

Fellow business teacher Paul Brockway called Madrid “a real professional--a dependable, excellent teacher.”

Tricia Tomono, a Chatsworth senior, said she knew nothing about computers before taking a class from Madrid. “I learned a lot,” she said. “He’s really patient.”

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Computers were mainly the tools of rocket scientists and top financial wizards when the high school opened its doors in February 1963. Administrators at the time pondered how best to welcome their new students--some of whom had been transferred from Canoga Park and Granada Hills high schools.

Students debated school colors before deciding on orange, gold and white.

Madrid recalls early discussions over student freedom. Believing they should be given a certain amount of latitude and responsibility, Chatsworth High’s first principal, Gjertrud Smith, agreed to let boys wear Bermuda shorts, making the campus one of the first schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District to loosen its dress code, Madrid said.

Madrid asked one well-wisher who called during his farewell reception--held in a business department classroom--whether she had seen the movie, “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” He told her that he relates to the main character in the movie, a high school music teacher who witnessed the social and political upheavals of the past three decades.

Changing demographics have made the school far more diverse, Madrid said. A once predominantly white student body is now about 45% Latino, 10% black and 10% Asian.

Fashions and fads have passed over the years--Peter Pan collars and high-water pants gave way to peasant dresses and love beads.

During the 1970s streaking fad, a teenage boy ran naked from E building to F building, where he was covered with blankets by waiting accomplices. He was caught and suspended for two days.

“The students then were relaxed and laid-back,” Madrid said. “They loved music, especially guitar music. They were the ones who enjoyed the lawns the most, out of all the generations.”

Madrid said he has enjoyed teaching most of his students. But he said students today seem less interested in getting an education than those in the past. Fewer parents, as well, stress the importance of academic excellence, he said.

Along the way, Madrid rose from a 26-year-old neophyte teacher who taught typing, accounting and shorthand to chairman of the business department.

One of his main accomplishments was establishing the business certificate program, which established a course of study that helps students land jobs after high school. The program has earned a good reputation among commercial establishments in Chatsworth, Canoga Park and Northridge, school officials said.

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Madrid said he leaves the school with mixed emotions.

“I have a feeling of sadness and happiness,” he said. “It’s really strange. I thoroughly enjoyed my position here, and made many friends. I enjoyed the kids and enjoyed teaching.”

He plans to use his new spare time for day trips, reading and enjoying the Northridge home he shares with his wife, Kathi, a school district secretary. He will also continue teaching computer skills part time at Valley College, where he’s taught business courses for the past 30 years.

“If I had to live all over again, I wouldn’t mind being a business teacher,” Madrid said.