Recognize the hard work of deans often “in harm’s way”
Re: “Staffers wounded in shooting at East,” March 23 news story
Jerald (Mason) and Eric (Sinclair), I am so saddened that you endured such a tragic event on March 22. As a past DPS administrator, I have had to search students; that is unnerving at best. I don’t remember ever conducting a search without one of my many wonderful deans with me. I’m sure you met last Wednesday’s request without thinking twice.
Deans are often the first people teachers and administrators call when they need assistance with a student. They are the first ones out to lunch duty and at after-school dismissal. They are called on to supervise athletic contests and other school activities. They hold conferences with parents. They try to repair harm through the restorative justice process. They regularly put themselves in harm’s way. I think those who don’t work in schools are beginning to get a glimpse of a dean’s workload after the shooting.
Unless things have changed since my retirement in December, deans do not have representation. The people who get called upon the most get the least.
There will be changes that come out of last week’s events. I just hope that the teachers’ and principals’ unions will rush to include you, that you will have the representation and protection that they can provide and that you will be paid what you are worth, although there is no price tag on your health and well-being.
With much admiration, respect, and gratitude,
Jamie Lofaro, Lone Tree
Editor’s note: Lofaro is a retired DPS principal.
“Saving lives, not guns”
Re: “Save guns until 21; save lives,” March 25 commentary
Kudos to Myra Warren Isenhart and Dottie Lamm for factually explaining the urgency and need to pass Senate Bill 169. Students and teachers rightfully stress the importance of saving lives, not guns. Colorado’s elected representatives would be wise to listen and hear reasoned commentary to decrease the current toxic climate of gun violence and pass common-sense gun laws.
Sandra M Goodman, Denver
Denver not for sale—vote No on 2O
Well-funded developer Westside is misleading Denver voters with yard signs and mailers claiming that voting yes on 2O will lead to a utopian outcome of “affordable” homes, acres of parks, healthy food and a multitude of other benefits to greater Denver. It’s not likely to be true.
Westside made a mistake when it purchased the Park Hill Golf Course in 2019. The 155 acres were already subject to a conservation easement purchased by Denver taxpayers. The easement cannot be removed without the approval of Denver voters. That’s what this election is about. Voting yes on 2O allows the Hancock administration to tear up the easement protecting the 155 acres and permit it to be developed. Voting no on 2O leaves the easement in place and allows for the creation of a permanent park, gardens and outdoor recreation space on the abandoned former golf course.
Developers like Westside play an important and valued role in our community. But this is the wrong project for Denver. Once forfeited, open space in urban communities is rarely regained. This important parcel gives northeast Denver urban green space comparable to Washington Park in south Denver. The physical, social and environmental benefits of urban open space are well reported. Denver voters should vote no on 2O and protect this important urban landscape for the Park Hill community and all of Denver.