Development Would at Least Bring High School

Re “Whispering Hills Draws an Outcry,” March 13:

I can’t believe I’m writing in favor of the Whispering Hills development. But because San Juan Capistrano is in dire need of a high school, we have to use common sense and weigh the issues.

We cannot keep asking our children to attend overcrowded schools in other towns and expect them to be happy, socially responsible teenagers. I’ve seen my child lose touch with friends who went to high schools in other towns. It has had a negative impact on his life.

It is sad that we have not had more responsible development. But Whispering Hills seems to be the only way to get a school as soon as possible. This fairly small development won’t have the negative impact of Ladera, and I’ve seen no public outcry about it.

Anne Smith

San Juan Capistrano

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Every year it’s the same old story during negotiations between the teachers and the Capistrano Unified School District. This year has proved no different.

Like clockwork, the district comes out with a report highlighting a supposed “fiscal squeeze.” The district predicts a doom-and-gloom scenario for the budget, but as each one of their budget concerns is put to rest, it comes up with yet another to take its place. Historically, the district ends the year with more funds than projected in its ending balance, and 2001 was no different.

Currently, 22 of 28 districts in Orange County have settled at or above a 4% salary increase for teachers. These other districts also have to deal with the encroachment of programs like special education, transportation and reduced class sizes. So why can’t Capistrano Unified offer an equitable settlement, as the other districts seem to be able to do?

The yearly ordeal of being one of the last districts to settle with teachers tells Capistrano Unified teachers that they are neither respected nor valued.

Frank Weireth

President, Capistrano Unified

Education Assn.

San Juan Capistrano