Public schools not a failed model

Thank you for the complete coverage of the legislative breakfast. I do need, however, to 'throw a flag” on your use of pronouns in the paragraph about my question.

The paragraph reads, 'Resident Stan Plum asked Shipley to explain why he voted against the transportation funding bill. He said that schools were stuck in antiquated model and need to think of a future where they can bring the classroom to the kids.” Your use of the pronoun 'he” makes it appear that I said that schools were stuck in antiquated … I would like to make it clear to my friends and neighbors that does not in anyway represent what I believe and is a direct quote from Mr. Shipley.

Having over 50 years of experience in and around schools across the country, I have seen Fairfield's schools go from operating out of the basements of churches to being fully integrated in the 21st century. Mr. Shipley says that we are a failing model. Well, failing models produce failing students and are taught by failing teachers. I see none of that in Fairfield Public Schools.

The fact that he made such an insulting statement in front of some of Fairfield's finest students, faculty, and administration is stunning.

I'll attribute this stumble as the rookie 'yips.” It's time for Mr. Shipley to step up and represent his district (even us old timers) and not his dream world.

- Stan Plum, Fairfield

(Editor's note: The Ledger regrets the confusion created by the ambiguous use of the pronoun 'he.” The passage referenced above was uttered by Mr. Shipley and not Mr. Plum.)