Peter Hartman, Man of Vision

Re “Memorial Service Set for Educator Peter Hartman,” (Jan. 22):

I first met Hartman 18 years ago during our search for a superintendent for Saddleback Valley Unified School District. I was very impressed with his intellect, knowledge of school finance and experience in administration.

What I didn’t realize was that he would turn out to be one of the most caring, honest and hard-working individuals I have known. Hartman led this school district through a 50% enrollment growth. New high schools, intermediate and elementary schools were built under his watch. Our district was brought into the Computer Age and became a model. New relationships with all of our employee groups were made possible.

Sitting in Pete’s office, you might not always hear what you wanted, but you did get answers.

Peter did not want any child to suffer because of the inadequate funding of public education by the state. As funding increased over the years, he was able to funnel more dollars into educational programs that have lifted the test scores of over 35,000 students into the top percentages in the state.

DR. DORE J. GILBERT

President

Saddleback Valley Unified School

District Board of Education

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What’s right with American education? At the passing of Peter Hartman, I am reminded of the good that can come from the dedication of one man of vision. My husband and I are raising our seven children in Mission Viejo; three of them are currently reaping the benefits of an effective education in Saddleback Valley district schools at a major private university.

Hartman steered the district through numerous difficult financial challenges amid a period of explosive growth in the valley. He was a great supporter of all parent organizations. We hear a lot of what is wrong in education in California. Men and women like Hartman see what is good and strive to make it better.

TULY HUNTINGTON

Mission Viejo