Source: Carmel Valley News, October 9, 2008
Re: Marsha Sutton’s column of Sept. 11, 2008
Once again, we are compelled to provide a response that depicts an accurate picture of the climate among the educators in Del Mar Union School District. The first reaction was to simply turn the page, ignoring the negative and divisive language used in an attempt to drive a wedge between educators in the district. But on further reflection, we felt the community deserved the truth and feared some might read Marsha Sutton’s opinion column and perceive it as fact. Ms. Sutton states, “What Del Mar sorely needs now is to become one united district, intolerant of anything less than full cooperation, support and mutual respect” and yet her comments are laced with inflammatory language and unfounded allegations concerning DMUSD educators. Many of us were shocked to hear statements suggesting that anyone would purposefully “ostracize” our fellow colleagues at Del Mar Heights School. It prompted us to inquire as to whether the Heights staff actually felt this way and the answer was an emphatic “NO.” It’s important to know that staffing within any district is fluid and many of us have worked at more than one school; therefore, we don’t define ourselves as educators loyal to only one school site. We all have close friends and former colleagues scattered throughout the district. We think of them fondly and maintain utmost respect for each other. As professionals, our main objective is to advocate for every student, regardless of which school they attend or the politics of the community. For those of us who have the privilege to teach in the DMUSD, education does matter.
We agree that adults can tear down any progress within this district with unfounded gossip, and therefore have resolved to quickly address any rumors which concern the unified body of educators in the DMUSD. We challenge Ms. Sutton to join us and refrain from turning the handle of the “Rumor Mill.” If you truly desire to silence the “mud slingers,” then stop choosing a side and slinging mud.
Del Mar California Teachers Association
Marsha Sutton’s response:
I understand this response. Most of Del Mar’s 273 teachers are revolted at the notion that some of their peers may be engaging in petty, political conduct. I get that. No one wants to be associated with people whose actions are so unseemly.
I also know from experience that teachers unions can be overly sensitive, sometimes taking a circle-the-wagons approach when any one of their members is criticized. Such criticism, no matter how valid, can trigger an intense reaction that’s often designed to silence, intimidate or humiliate anyone who dares to expose some hidden fault or uncover problems.
But shooting the messenger is not the answer.
I don’t just sit here all day inventing lies and dreaming up ways to upset teachers. I stand by my story. What I wrote about the Heights teachers being avoided by some (some) other teachers and staff in the district has been validated by far too many for far too long to discount its legitimacy.
It’s not hard to understand why the guilty won’t admit it and the ostracized refuse to open up, given the politically charged nature of the culture in the Del Mar Union School District.
Teachers are no different than any other group of people who choose to form an association: most are honest, hard-working, decent and trustworthy.
But not all are angels. This fact of human nature does not in any way demean the entire organization. But to deny the truth, that this situation has existed beneath the radar, is to put on blinders to very real problems that should be addressed.
What this issue sorely needed was some sunshine. For only when light is shed on such divisiveness will it end.
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