Leave race out of the hiring process

To The Editor,

In response to last week’s article “It’s always been a black-and-white issue,” I guess I’m very glad I left the Malverne Board of Education meeting when I did. I was there for the beginning of the meeting, when the administration and the board gave accolades to some well-deserving students for their achievements.

The board recognized both Sarah St. John and Aalique Grahame, valedictorian and salutatorian of the Malverne High School class of 2011, the boys’ varsity basketball and cheerleading teams, as well as the Howard T. Herber eighth-grade science research class for their accomplishment in the Disney Planet Challenge.

Although I may be partial, as Sarah is my daughter, all these students worked extremely hard to reach the level where they are — in academics as well as sports. And for that I need to thank the Malverne teachers and coaches for a job extremely well done.

As for all four of my children, they have had some really dedicated teachers and staff, from kindergarten on up through 12th grade, who have enabled them to excel the way they have — teachers from all races and ethnicities. My hope is that race never becomes a part of the hiring process and that we, as a district, continue to hire and retain only the most qualified and dedicated professionals.