Editor, Times-Union: From time to time, leadership of our community have received criticism in the form of an unsigned letter. Such is the case this past week by the Tippecanoe Valley School Board.
Normally we take little notice to the comments of someone that will not identify themselves, much like the editorial letters policy of this newspaper. The missing signature signifies the unwillingness to further examine the situation, the closed-minded assumption that the writer has all of the information relative to the situation, and possibly the lack of enough interest in the situation to help in the solution.
This unsigned letter touches on two areas we would like to address:
One is in relationship to confidentiality in personnel matters of our School Corporation. In the discovery process addressing many personnel and student matters, the School Board, by law, must (thank goodness) address these matters in confidentiality. Decisions of the School Board are made only in public "open door" meetings but often the decision logic must remain confidential to protect the legal privacy of our staff and students.
Second is the source of information. This mystery writer refers three times in their letter to "Rumor is that ..." We endeavor to be open and available with first-hand accurate information. Very seldom are "rumors" complete or accurate. This School Board, as do others all over Indiana, meets on a regular basis and is open to the public. We normally meet on the second Monday of each month at 7 or 7:30 p.m. at the Mentone School. Each regular meeting contains agenda time allowing for comments to the Board from interested parties. We are discouraged to report that often very few persons choose to express their praise or concerns to the Board. Please feel welcome.
Tippecanoe Valley Schools are blessed with an exceptional staff, not perfect or without room for improvement, but dedicated and willing to bring quality education to this community.
We encourage you, in you local school District, to seek out complete and accurate information about education. Know your schools. Education is the foundation of success in this new millennium.
Tippecanoe Valley School Board
Bruce Andrews, president Rod Eaton, vice president Tom Weaver, secretary Fred McSherry, member Mark Wise, member
Faith
Editor, Times-Union: RE: Allyson letter 10/15/99
As a Christian I know that we worship God by Faith and what has happened before in the history of Christ. As you put it life did not begin at the level of a 747 jet, but rather by the formation of single chains of proteins. Can you prove this scientifically? Can you make an argument that life was formed this way. If you can please tell me how the chains of proteins arrived on this earth and how did they get together to form life. Also, can you tell me how they were able to make some humans and some animals. How did the plants arrive? Also, while we are at it. How did the solar system get formed? If you say by a big bang. Who or what caused that?
RE: Jim Snyder You have missed the boat. God teaches love and reward of eternal life. How much more love than that can you get?
Loyd Saner, Akron
Life Chain
Editor, Times-Union: Thank you to all 145 people who braved the cold and rain to stand along Center Street in Warsaw for the "Life Chain" Oct. 3. It was an encouragement to see the number of pro-life people who were committed enough to stand up for the unborn by coming out in bad weather to express their opinion. Thank you for sharing the message that abortion kills children and hurts women. I would also like to thank the churches that promoted the Life Chain to their congregations.
Dave Koontz, Executive Director, Kosciusko County Right to Life
Thanks To Fire Department
Editor, Times-Union: My sister and I would like to thank the Winona Lake Fire Department for the fun we had at their Open House. Lacey liked wearing the fire hat and putting out fires with the water hose. I liked getting in the fire truck and the magic trick. We learned a lot about firemen and how heavy their clothes are. They must be really strong!
The firemen were very nice to us and the cupcakes and cookies were grrrreeeat! We also won a backpack and we wanted to say "thank you." Lacey liked her hat and I like the books. We put our fire alarms up right away because they will save your life in a fire. (She put her hat on her pumpkin).
