Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Virginia educator supports fired Whitewater coach

I have followed, with interest, the situation concerning the firing of Jill Collins as coach of the girls basketball team at Whitewater Middle School and the comments that have been published about this issue.

If Jill Collins was asked to resign as basketball coach because one of the school board member’s daughter did not make the team, then that must have been one of the saddest days in the history of Fayette County schools.

How does Fayette County expect to hire competent teachers and coaches once they realize that there will be little or no support for them from the school board, the principal, or the assistant principal?

Teachers are expected to set high standards and be role models for their students. How can this be possible when individuals, such as Ms. Collins, are fired for setting high standards for her basketball team? Ms. Collins, I am sure you know that many educators in Fayette County are appalled by this situation but are afraid to speak out publicly. Now you know that there are educators across the country supporting you. I wish you the best in this situation and hope that the voters in Fayette County will use their voting power to make sure that their representatives are not undermining the Fayette County school system.

Bruce Hemp

Staunton, Va.