LETTERS: TIME TO STAND UP FOR JACKON BOARD, SCHOOLS

To the editor:

Stuart Venable's attack on the Jackson School Board, supported by the vicious verbal abuse by many of his emotional followers, was a most unwarranted condemnation of a reasonable school board made up of unpaid, dedicated and good people. Anyone who uttered the slightest disagreement with the rabble-rousing group got treated almost as badly, as demonstrated by the rude hooting catcalls aimed at the four students who dared to speak out in favor of the school and students under the malicious attack.

As we were leaving the meeting, I heard one lady say that now she had seen a Christian hate group in action. One man said the entire group had evidenced the mentality of a lynch mob.

I knew that one churchman, a businessman, a salesman, some parents and several others went to the meeting to present information contrary to the mob's diatribe. They didn't do so, because they rapidly saw that it would do no good and they too would then become the victims of the undisciplined, unhappy throng.

I've also heard the mob and Venable called some other unflattering names in public places, some not printable in a family newspaper, in addition to those mentioned above. The school board deserved better treatment than it received.

I sat in that meeting feeling sorry for them and the others who were being attacked. One of the seven boys was called a bastard. This lad's parents were present at the board meeting. Contrary to the attacker's portrayal of his parents, they are deeply active church members and community leaders and are involved with charitable organizations and support the school with hours of time and money. None of the family uses profanity, alcohol, drugs or tobacco. They are commendable people.

If some of those vocal attackers are so upset, I anticipate they will file to run for school board, if they are more competent than at the meeting. I'll check the future elections to see if they will follow up their words with their action, putting themselves on the hot seat.

Also, I find Venable's and a few others' attack on the high school, especially its principal and coaches, to be even more difficult to understand. I believe this school to be a well-run school. As a matter of fact, I find the entire school system, allowing for a few weak spots, to be one of the best in the state. Even when some things are done in ways I don't consider ideal, I still believe that.

I've talked to teachers who are hurt by the unfair and ill-informed attitude of Venable's supporters. A couple of the coaches have been rumored to be unhappy with all the negatives with which they have had to contend. One of the coaches was overheard to say that he had quit reading the papers, because he got tired of being criticized so much.

Finally, I think it is time some citizens stood up for the school board and the high school. Where are the students and teachers who have a better or different opinion of the school? Surely there must be many, because so many are trying to get teaching jobs in Jackson, and everyone's moving to Jackson to get their children in its schools.

WILL E. WADE

Jackson