Merit should be basis for hiring

TO THE EDITOR:

I have decided to do something totally out of character for me and write a letter to the editor. My opinion on the matter that was recently discussed at the last Board of Education meeting is so strong that I just had to let people hear another side of the issue. The issue I speak of is the one that M.V. Booker and others brought to the attention of the board members Monday night.

First of all, my child was one of those honored that evening for winning the Young Georgia Authors award. My family and I, like all the other proud parents, were eagerly looking forward to this award ceremony at the board meeting. However, we were very disappointed when we arrived to find that the meeting room was already filled to capacity with Ms. Booker and her supporters. I really believe that out of respect for these children's accomplishments, the protestors should have voluntarily waited outside until the ceremony was over. If not, then the board members should have asked that the protestors give the children and their families room within the meeting area. Instead we were asked to go outside into the coldness and wind. My child was very excited about this ceremony, and although he is too young to realize what was going on, it makes me sad to know that our young children were compromised.

Having said that, I would like to make some comments about some of the "demands" Ms. Booker has put on the Board of Education. I believe that Wilkes County has a great school system, and I give credit to the decision makers in the system like Mrs. Joyce Williams (superintendent, who happens to be black) and Dr. Rosemary Caddell (principal, whom I believe considers credentials above all else when selecting new teachers.) The main focus of our school faculty should be the best education for our children. Demanding that we hire a set quota of African-Americans, regardless of experience or education, is not keeping the quality of education at the forefront of our schools. That is a disservice to all of our young children, white, black, and Hispanic. And what about other races? Has anyone looked at the Hispanic ratio in the school system? If we go out and recruit African-Americans, then should we not actively recruit other races as well?

Booker also made issue with the fact that there is only one black assistant principal in our school system currently. And to her this is unacceptable, but did she and her supporters take issue when three out of four principals were black? One of which was promoted to Superintendent.

If ten white teachers and two black teachers put in for the same job, should the principal pick the most qualified of the twelve, or one of the two to meet the quota? I have three children who will be in this school system and I pray that the pressures put on our faculty leaders will not cloud their judgment.

It is all to easy too jump on the black vs. white bandwagon. But if Booker wants her voice to not only be heard, but be respected, then she and others who feel this way should come up with a plan of action to offer incentives to ALL highly qualified teachers to make them want to teach in Wilkes County. This is what should be brought in front of the Board of Education.

My last opinion is on the statement M.V. Booker made about needing to "train and promote African American para-pros to teaching positions." I happen to know of at least two para-pros within the system that are actively pursuing their degrees to become teachers. They are both white, and no one is helping them. No one told them to go back to school; no one told them we'll pay for you to go back to school. They had the desire to better themselves and are spending their money and taking time away from their families to complete their educations. If there is going to be a program that promotes para-pros to get their higher education for teaching, then it should be open to all para-pros, not limited to just one race.

Open positions within the school system should be filled with applicants based on merit. The most meritorious candidate has a right to the position. As a parent of a primary school student with two more on the way, that is my only concern.

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