Pubdate: Wed, 15 May 2002
Source: Decatur Daily (AL)
Copyright: 2002 The Decatur Daily
Contact:  http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696
Author: Jimmy Yarbrough

EDUCATORS HAVE DIFFICULT TASK

The Decatur Daily:

A person not involved in education probably doesn't understand the 
complexity and importance of decisions that educators have to make. The 
answers are not black or white, but gray. What is best for one student may 
not be best for another. These decisions can affect students for the rest 
of their lives. In making these tough decisions, I believe there is one 
principle that overrides all others: "What is best for this student and the 
student body?"

I feel that this is what Lee Hartsell considered in the case of the 
baseball player who tested positive for marijuana. He was protecting him 
when he originally said he passed the drug test. I have known Hartsell 
since he came to Hartselle to lead our school system. I have not agreed 
with all of his decisions, but I do respect his honesty and integrity and 
feel he has done a good job of leading our system to its present position. 
I know he loves children and is a good father and husband. He is a 
Christian man of integrity and character and would not lie to protect the 
school system or baseball program. I am convinced the only reason he made 
the statement he did was to protect the young man. The accomplishments of 
the school system and baseball program stand on their own and don't need 
protecting.

I taught in the Hartselle School System for more than 30 years and believe 
it to be one of the best in the nation. We have teachers and administrators 
who genuinely care about our students. I believe we need to be praying 
every day for wisdom for them as they go about one of the most important 
and difficult jobs in the world.

Jimmy Yarbrough

Hartselle
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MAP posted-by: Beth