In defense of dismissed Modesto principals

Thank you for reporting on the dismissal of Elliott Principal Julie Beebe. As the parent of an Elliott student and representative on the school site council, I was shocked and dismayed to hear of Beebe's dismissal. She was a positive leader for Elliott. I considered it an honor to serve on the council, which afforded me the opportunity to observe Beebe interact with students, support staff, faculty and parents. Beebe was smart, professional, tough yet caring.

There's no doubt that Beebe was vocal about issues affecting her school. She's a "get it done" leader. Beebe was dedicated and determined to help her students obtain a high school diploma.

We're all aware of Elliott's poor reputation; however, many people do not know that Elliott serves students with special challenges: mental illness, extreme poverty and homelessness. Beebe was dedicated to those students. She spoke of her school and students with pride, confident that Elliott could make the difference in the lives of Modesto students.

Modesto schools are known for weak academic performance and low college attendance. Dismissing a principal with a proven record of increased attendance and academic scores is counterproductive to the mission of improving city schools.

TINA LAZZERESCHI

Salida