Letters to the Editor, May 23, 2012

Hire for excellence only

 
I read several weeks ago that the Shelby County Public Schools administrators have  a new initiative (“Diversity of leaders surpasses state, U.S.,” May 9). They seek to hire more qualified employees whose racial and ethnic heritages reflect the student populations being served.

Whether this policy is grounded in the idea emulating same-race "successful role models" or some other reason, for example, SCPS is a model of diversity, I wish to oppose the idea.

In today's global economy, which is driving down the U.S. economy, only excellenceshould be taught to our children. U.S. companies go all over the world in search of workers who will produce the best at the lowest price. U.S. companies for decades have passed over Caucasian workers for Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and more.

For whatever jobs exist in America today – employers seek (1) excellence; (2) the will to work; (3) and the acceptance of whatever pay is offered. The limited job market makes the employer king. Having enforced U.S./KY civil rights laws myself for the commonwealth, I know well how discrimination still operates in our state and nation. Nevertheless, as a general rule, employers want excellencefor their employees.

SCPS should hire onlythe most excellent candidates and give the "reasons of excellence." Here is an imaginary example:
"Today SCPS announced the hiring of Ms. Fransuela Gomez as principal of Collins HS, and Mr. Wan Fan Hei as principal of Shelby County HS. Gomez is an honors graduate of Columbia University. Hei is an honors graduate of Stanford University. When questioned as to why no graduates from Kentucky universities were hired for these posts, Niehof said, 'We had many fine candidates from Kentucky schools, including our own alumni and alumnae. However, no candidates from our area or state compared to these fine, proven, visionary leaders. Our children and faculties will grow under them.’"
Such an announcement would please me, if excellence alone were the key. No principle for hiring – given the preciousness of tax dollars – should be based on anyrace or anyschool attended. America is descending rapidly into decline. Only Excellence, Work and the Will to Succeed, despite obstacles, are what our children must be taught. Because they must rely on these, after we are dead, and cannot hand them what we earned, or had handed to us.

John D. Willis

Alumnus – SCHS 1971

Shelbyville

Young Center makes difference

I would like to say that I am one of the successes of Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center. I was giving my mom a difficult time, and I thought I was invincible. Everything she told me went in one ear and out the other. I thought she was going to take me to the see the judge, so I could become a ward of the state.

But she had changed her mind, and she did not tell me where she was taking me until I packed my stuff and was heading for Kentucky.

Little did I know she was sending me through the Department of Labor to Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center in Simpsonville. I would be a success. The center provided the building blocks for my being a success.

When we were teenagers, we would get in trouble and think no one cares about us.

But the staff and the center director of Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center really care about students and how they are getting along.

After two years in the program I graduated with a skill in culinary arts.

I am very upset that they are considering closing it down. I would love for them to keep it open. Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center helped me get a trade, a driver’s license, a job and an apartment. Thanks, Whitney, for helping me so much. I am entirely grateful.

Laurewt Dowell

Shelbyville