The purpose of this letter is to correct some misinformation and misrepresentation in the letter from Juli Clay and Ginny Early that appeared Wednesday in The Times. I am writing as an individual and not in my official capacity as chairperson of the Gainesville Board of Education.

Mrs. Clay and Mrs. Early misrepresented themselves when they signed their letter as chair and vice-chair of the Enota Governance Council. By signing themselves as officers, they implied that they represented a consensus of the council when, in fact, they acted independently. The opinions they expressed were solely theirs; they did not represent the views of the whole Governance Council, nor did they represent those of the faculty and administration.

The comment attributed to Superintendent Dr. Creel was taken completely out of context. I was present at the meeting when Dr. Creel was interviewed by the reporter. Their conversation focused solely on the inadequacies of the current instructional facility and the new instructional opportunities planned for the new building, such as enhanced labs, a full-sized gym, a meeting space and a stage. The new building will provide the Enota students a facility that is equal in standard to our other elementary schools.

To suggest Dr. Creel in any way impugned the teachers at Enota is irresponsible, hurtful and divisive. Those remarks have the potential to negatively impact the positive relationship that exists between Dr. Creel and the Enota faculty. Three of my grandchildren attended Enota, and as a result, I have come to know and deeply respect the faculty. I know Dr. Creel and I share the conviction that the Enota teachers are extremely dedicated and caring professionals, and the test scores attest to their effectiveness.

It is difficult to understand why Mrs. Clay and Mrs. Early would launch such an unwarranted, unilateral public attack on our superintendent. A more appropriate response would have been to meet with Dr. Creel privately to express their concerns. Dr. Creel is not only a consummate professional, but she is also an approachable, kind and understanding individual. She has embraced our school system and has implemented a strategic plan that has already had a tremendous impact on student achievement, which is our primary goal. Issues like this one detract from her important work.

I sincerely believe that this and future challenges can be overcome by proper communication, the respectful exchange of ideas, and a spirit of cooperation towards our common goal.

Delores M. Diaz
Gainesville