Sending Teachers to Decathlon

The Times incorrectly referred to LAUSD’s “confused priorities” when criticizing the lack of teacher support as El Camino Real High School won the national Academic Decathlon title in Rhode Island (“LAUSD Winners and Losers,” editorial, April 28).

Assistant Superintendent Dan Isaacs and decathlon coordinator Jane Pollock are well known for their many years of exemplary support of the Academic Decathlon. It was the El Camino Real staff that was remiss in simply not asking for help that not once was denied in the past. A case in point this year involved a decathlete’s parent who required financial aid to accompany the team to Rhode Island. A check for the full amount of the request was in my hands within days.

The team has two head coaches and 10 teachers who provide specific expertise. I believe The Times’ choice to focus on the lack of financial support for as many as 10 teachers failed to take into account the effect lost instructional time would have for the 150-200 students served daily by each teacher. Thank goodness these adult issues failed to detract from the wonderful accomplishments of the decathletes, their families, the 12 dedicated teachers and all who shared in the joy of the team’s success.

RON BAUER, Principal

El Camino Real High School

Woodland Hills