School Principal

I hope the public is getting a balanced view of the accusations against Jim Nielsen, principal of Channel Islands High School, rather than the one-sides view of people who may have an ax to grind.

I have worked under Mr. Nielsen as a science teacher and department chairman at Rio Mesa High School, also as director of student activities and dean of students. Based on my close work with him I must strongly disagree with allegations of racial insensitivity.

At Rio Mesa, Mr. Nielsen put forth a tremendous amount of effort in support of our minority students. Nobody had a better rapport with our minority students that Mr. Nielsen. Nobody!

Did that mean he was always kind to them? No. If they crossed the line he would deal with them, as he would with all students. However, even when suspending students he did do in a professional and still caring manner.

Those who call for his resignation are either uninformed, myopic or have hidden agendas. They are unable, or simply refuse, to see the type of administrator represented by Mr. Nielsen. We need more educators who are willing to hold people, both students and staff, accountable. I admire and respect that.

Count me as one of the many strong supporters of Jim Nielsen.

DICK BELLMAN, Camarillo