To the editor:
Want to see how fast South Brunswick can empty out? Just implement the suggestions Ken White (echoing the sentiments of Mary Kapsidelis from a letter to the editor in the April 28 issue) puts forward in his May 5 letter to the Post.
Here’s how it will happen: First, watch all the talented teachers, support staff, and administrators leave the school district. Next, watch the district struggle to find qualified replacements. Maybe Mr. White and Ms. Kapsidelis could apply for jobs, given what a sweet deal they feel teachers in South Brunswick receive.
Then, watch all those community members who value a quality public education put their houses on the market. I’m sure in the flood of homes for sale Mr. White can assure us that we’ll all take huge profits, since its clear our high property values have absolutely nothing to do with our quality schools (I suppose Mr. White and Ms. Kapsidelis think they’re due to our cute downtown and a scenic drive along Route 1).
Mr. White wants to bring "these people" (teachers) into the "real world." I may disagree with his ideas about public education, but it’s that tone that really gets me. I don’t know what Mr. White does for a living, but I would never demean and insult his work the way he has demeaned and insulted mine.
Yes, I’m a teacher (in a neighboring district) and Mr. White is welcome to visit my world and experience my reality any time he likes. He can spend the day, or even a week. He can meet all my colleagues. Maybe he’d like to try teaching a lesson or two. He can join me for recess and bus duty. He can even come home with me and help grade papers, write lesson plans and make parent phone calls.
He can find out just what a teacher actually does. Then, if he still wants to insult what teachers do, at least I’ll know he’s got some experience to back it up.
Joe Schwartz
South Brunswick
