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To the Editor:

As a retired teacher, I have had the privilege and the obligation of teaching your children at Bearfield Primary for 20 years. It was under the most incredible environment because the administration at Bearfield was so caring.

Today, I am concerned that the Hertford County Board of Education and the current superintendent are not listening to our community. Have you ever wondered why schools in our county are not improving? I have! There are great teachers in our schools and we did have great administrators, so what’s wrong? I believe the real problem is at the central office…board members who have served for years and our schools have not improved. They must shelter the blame.

It is well noted that both the board and superintendent were not interested in how the community felt when Mrs. Shields was removed as Bearfield’s principal.

It’s time for a change on our school board. Our children deserve it and our community must choose those people who care enough to put children ahead of their own personal gain. We can no longer stand by, action must be taken to secure our schools and begin the journey to grow great schools. We must vote for people who have our children’s best interest at heart.

I have contacted the state Board of Education to seek their advice on how to go forward! Members of this community, it is in our hands. I absolutely love the children of this county. I want them to have every opportunity that can be afforded them. Ethics plays a big part in helping children become great citizens but ethics must start at the top!

Good, strong schools are not just about numbers, but about relationships.

Each of us must come to care about everyone else’s children. We must recognize that the welfare of our children and grandchildren is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people’s children. After all, when one of our children needs lifesaving surgery, someone else’s child will perform it. If one of our children is threatened or harmed by violence, someone else’s child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can be secured only if a good life is also secured for all other people’s children.

I believe Dr. Katz got it right with her statement about all children. Let’s do the same. Children are our must valuable resource, so let’s safeguard their future.

Carol Paul

Ahoskie