Robert Summer is absolutely right in his article entitled “For the sake of our students, let’s all do our jobs,” in Friday’s Clarion. At least, I believe he is correct and I am the first to admit bias. I am a student with 87 years of experience and learnings and looking forward to a part of my 13-year plan to keep on learning. The story continues to be written every day and, as John Maxwell said, “Today matters.”

My point is, I believe we are all students that go through life learning, and therefore it is in all of our interests to consider and determine what is in our best interests. Then act in ways that will ensure our interests are best fulfilled for all of us. Assuming that the school district is the best sole determinant for students futures and teachers do not have a role in determining what is right for our future is, I believe, wrong.

This seems to be a major problem in many school districts all over our country. At least six states have had major corrections in their teacher relations over the last three or four years. I believe that teachers are learning to stand up for their interests as well as their students, and that school districts need to learn as well to support their teachers better.

Our world will be a better place when it happens and we will be working collaboratively, not quarreling. Contracts would be settled, signed and students would be learning.

— Hugh R. Hays

Soldotna