Martinez Column

* In his strangely worded June 7 essay on why he wouldn’t want to be LAUSD superintendent, Al Martinez assails teachers for passing on to their “teachees” an inability to communicate by “utilizing terms that wilt ranunculus,” whatever that means.

Martinez needs to read The Times. Ninety-five percent of those surveyed in Belmont High’s Class of ’89 felt their education was adequate (Special Report). The statistics are overwhelmingly positive in the proportions who are registered to vote, have moved up substantially in education, occupation, etc. Certainly, LAUSD has immense problems, but the system is functioning, otherwise Martinez would have no audience whatsoever. Thanks for not taking the job, Al.

DAIN OLSEN

Los Angeles