'Gotcha' is game played by children

Editor,

Mr. Gary E. Wining's letter to the Arlee School District residents, dated Sept. 18 2006, pointing out the failures of the "last 33 years" does not excuse the fact that the majority of the Board see themselves as a law unto themselves by deciding to be the judge, the jury, and a very gentle executioner.

By using the Montana State School Board Association as a foil to deflect criticism, there is a very strong appearance of a blatant conflict of interest. This action does not absolve the board from its responsibility of turning this case over to the Montana State authorities for investigation.

Since there seems to have been laws broken, the matter should have been turned over to the legal system. There would have been plenty of time for administrative actions, if the county or U.S. Attorneys had been allowed into the loop to make their determination first. Instead, were you afraid if this matter were made public, it would mess up your bond levy?

By not holding Mr. Orr or Mr. Padgett to the professional ethics and standards, as set forth in the Montana Code Annotated or the Arlee School Board policies, shows a total disregard and lack of respect for the students, parents and residents which you are supposed to represent.

You can play "I Gotcha" all you want, however, a pretty new school will not teach children moral behavior if the adults around them do not, or will not, conduct themselves in an upstanding manner.

I would, therefor, ask Mr. Wining, Mr. Willoughby, Ms. Dumontier and Mr. Ritter to resign. We need people who will set examples, and expect moral and ethical behavior from the teachers.

Sandra Lee

Arlee