by Cris Italia
Oceanside Middle School teacher Brian Murphy is in his third year at the school, and in that short time, he has made a world of difference. Parents say that when they ask their kids that daily question, "How was school today?" the responses are dominated by Mr. Murphy's teachings that day.
Now in his tenure year, Murphy has been told that he will not be welcomed back at the school, for reasons that he will not know until a May 5 school board meeting.
In my five years as a reporter and editor, the largest outpouring of support I've observed have come during national tragedies. Sept. 11 and the war in Iraq have brought community members out in droves. The proposed dismissal of Murphy has brought together hundreds of parents, and students are livid over this decision not to bring the popular teacher back.
Upon hearing about his dismissal, effective at the end of the school year, parents were shocked and outraged. Their anger only grew when they were not told why Murphy would not be coming back. Together parents began a petition drive and a letter-writing campaign -- along with the one students had already started. The dedication of parents and students united has been impressive. One parent insisted that there was no way she would give up on Murphy.
What I can't understand is that a school district is supposed to do what's in the best interests of its students and parents. The Oceanside district has been vague, at best, with its reasons, hiding behind lawyers and procedure.
This isn't about procedure anymore, this is about students' passion to learn and parents who actually care about their kids' education. Parents always want the best for their children, and the consensus here is that parents feel that Murphy is best suited to teaching here in Oceanside.
I've never seen parents and students fight this way for a teacher before. In the past few weeks, the Herald has been overwhelmed with calls, letters and e-mails from parents and students, all in support of Murphy. I think the debate has reached the point at which the administration should admit that maybe some personal differences, or differences of opinion, shouldn't matter more than what hardworking taxpayers feel is right.
Basically, what the school district is doing here is telling parents that their opinions don't matter. That its judgment of character is more important than that of those that character actually means something to.
I have no qualms with the Oceanside School District. There are more positives than negatives at work here, but on this issue the district is wrong. It seems as though the voices of parents don't mean anything. Although the school board has yet to vote on the issue, its members should remember that they are elected each year to support the very same people who vote for them.
The parents and children of Oceanside have spoken. Now it's time for the school board to make a tough decision. If that means ith must prolong this battle to keep a beloved teacher in Oceanside and vote against the school district, so be it.
