Educators respond to editorial

Regarding your editorial of Oct. 19, 2007.

The Moorpark Educators Association representing 375 certificated teachers, nurses, and education specialists, has been an integral partner in the creation of the collaborative planning periods instituted at Moorpark's secondary schools this year. Twenty years in the making, these group planning sessions mirror those used by leading hospital staffs, cutting edge engineering projects, and innovative global businesses. Improving student achievement is the noble goal of our planning periods.

The discussions that took place over several years were open and inclusive, and the decisionmaking process was deliberate and intentional. Many of the concerns that some parents have expressed also surfaced during these meetings and were earnestly considered and addressed. You can be assured that teachers, many of whom live in the district and send their own kids to our schools, have heard and are sensitive to these concerns.

That is why parents should feel relieved that there have been no changes to the site times at the schools. Parents may drop off and pick up their kids at exactly the same times they always have. When parents reemphasize with their kids the importance of proceeding directly to school, as usual, they can feel confident that the campuses are safe and supervised. Parents should also know that there are varied academic and recreational activities available for students on our campuses, such as open libraries, computer labs, band rooms, tutoring centers (both adult and peer-to-peer), foreign language classes, and more enrichment opportunities to come.

We are disappointed with the Moorpark Acorn's editorial of the same date. Long on speculation but short on research, the editorial chose to play on a community's worst fears rather than serve as a forum and catalyst for reasoned discourse. Choosing sensationalism over journalism, the Moorpark Acorn did a disservice to the readers it purportedly serves.

Moorpark teachers have always taken the lead with new and exciting educational pedagogies, and we pledge to continue this tradition. This is a time for possibilities rather than perceived problems. Richard Gillis, President MEA