Wisdom and Justice

Mr. Smith will be returning to Layton High as its principal. I cannot provide any details, but am so glad to be able to share this great good news with all who read here.

I want to begin by saying that my gratitude for and confidence in Mr. Smith know no bounds.

Some years ago I directed the play A Few Good Men at Layton High. It is a story about Justice and Right and the Marine Corp. At one point in the dialoged, two attorneys argue over their support of Marines accused of crimes. One asks, “Why do you love them so much?” To which the other attorney replies, “Because they stand on a wall, and they say no one is going to hurt you tonight.”

I am just a school teacher. I stand in ah of the responsibilities of Administrators. I have always accepted that they should be paid more money than I; they truly earn the money. Many times as I passed through the office on some petty errand, I would see Mr. Smith facing the withering abuse spewed by an angry parent or the bitter disrespect of a spoiled child. (sometimes because of my mistakes) It was ironic indeed, to see the very people who Mr. Smith strives to help, abusing and threatening him. I would pick up my papers and go back to my class room to spend the day doing what I love. For twenty five years, I knew Mr. Smith had my back; Mr. Smith was on the wall for me.

As I have reviewed the information available to me on this situation I have been filled with compassion for Dr. Bowles. I am forced to consider the enormous challenges, the dangers, and the pitfalls he must face. I am most grateful for his courage and ability, his willingness to deal with difficult problems. I can state unequivocally, that Dr. Bowles is deserving of the greatest loyalty and support. He is a wise and man, and a great leader.

Enough people have been hurt. Now is the time to find a way to heal. The goal is still the same; the teaching of students. I am a class room teacher, Mr. Smith and Dr. Bowles are teachers too, in their words and deeds, and by making it possible for me and many other teachers to teach.

To some extent, we must concern ourselves with the opinions of men, but we must not let the opinions of others be the determining factor for our actions. We cannot let those who seek to do so hurt the district, or school, or our students; they cannot hurt us. We must be practical, knowing that, on the level of the ideal, we have already won the argument.