Grant to Aid Teen Parents

Re “County May Reject Teen Parent Grant,” Oct. 20.

It is the primary responsibility of any school board to find and implement the best educational practices for its student population. Because the Ventura County school board serves primarily at-risk youth, its members should be familiar with the statistics in this area.

Since the advent of Title IX made it illegal for a federally funded school district to expel pregnant students, the graduation rate for pregnant students has tripled. In schools where day-care is provided, the graduation rate of teen parents nearly matches that of non-parenting teens.

We did not elect Ron Matthews or Marty Bates to deny the best possible education to our at-risk students. If they are only interested in educating infallible children, they should each seek a more appropriate post.

SHEENA F. NASH, Simi Valley