Dear editor:
I am a retired public school teacher who taught kindergarten at Jessieville for 38 years, retiring in 2012. My family and friends know that I am not a person who would ever feel comfortable addressing the press. I tend, instead, to be a listener rather than a talker. However, I have remained silent for too long about the perplexing issues that exist at Jessieville School. Needless to say, I feel sure that the readers of this paper are tired of the constant drama being played out on local news stations and in the printed word. I guess, though, that I am now a participant with the writing of this letter to the editor. If you have had enough, please indulge me this one time.
As a kindergarten teacher who is familiar with fairy tales, I would like to relate our school saga to a popular story, “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” The story tells of a very vain emperor who parades through the streets clad in nothing at all. He tells everyone that he is wearing the finest clothing and even convinces his followers of this fantasy. Sadly, even he believes this absurdity. His followers, knowing the truth, go along with this nonsense and dare not risk being punished by confronting him, making them as foolish as he. Eventually, a child who sees the truth for what it is confronts the emperor and tells him that he is exposed.
This story reminds me of the Jessieville superintendent, Andy Curry, who has convinced his board and some community people that his egregious behavior towards his staff, former administration and law enforcement is really “not what it appears.” Instead, according to him, he is still the outstanding school leader that he thinks he is. Unlike the pivotal moment when the emperor realizes his error, Mr. Curry obviously does not because he is still making excuses and placing blame on others.
Many fairy tales have happy endings. I honestly pray that this one will. Please, Mr. Curry, ride away in the school truck, with your money and your computer, and let our school and community heal.
Judy O’Neal
Hot Springs