On the announcement sign outside of Farmington Elementary, these words hang: "Remember our children." Our children were exactly what we as parents were thinking of when we attempted to stop the involuntary transfer of a Huntsman-award-winning teacher, Laura Daines. Tragically, that transfer occurred despite our best efforts.
I think that sign was hung to chastise those of us seen as "stirring things up" by attempting to keep Mrs. Daines at our school. However, it is because we cannot forget our children that we fought for Mrs. Daines. Now, there are other things that we will remember.We will remember the incontestable tragedy of an excellent teacher, who made profound differences in our children's lives, forced out of our school. We will remember that no matter how many excellent teachers remain at our school, and there are many, that the loss of even one is a loss that we should not tolerate for our children.
We will remember with appreciation and gratitude the consideration, courtesy and willingness to listen shown by Dr. White and Barbara Smith and the rest of the school board in our plea for conflict resolution. We will remember that first and foremost this fight to keep Mrs. Daines at our school was in no way, from start to finish, a fight against anyone else.
We will also remember that the greatest tragedy, worse than losing Mrs. Daines, is that this did not have to happen, that the chance to pattern conflict resolution to our children was denied, and that this loss is the worst of all.
What is best for our children is apparently in dispute here, but perhaps the next time a personality conflict becomes justification for dismissal, the greater good should prevail. Remember our children. Our children are what matters here.
Toni J. Asay
Farmington