EDUCATORS HAVE DIFFICULT TASK

The Decatur Daily:

A person not involved in education probably doesn't understand the
complexity and importance of decisions that educators have to make. The
answers are not black or white, but gray. What is best for one student may
not be best for another. These decisions can affect students for the rest
of their lives. In making these tough decisions, I believe there is one
principle that overrides all others: "What is best for this student and the
student body?"

I feel that this is what Lee Hartsell considered in the case of the
baseball player who tested positive for marijuana. He was protecting him
when he originally said he passed the drug test. I have known Hartsell
since he came to Hartselle to lead our school system. I have not agreed
with all of his decisions, but I do respect his honesty and integrity and
feel he has done a good job of leading our system to its present position.
I know he loves children and is a good father and husband. He is a
Christian man of integrity and character and would not lie to protect the
school system or baseball program. I am convinced the only reason he made
the statement he did was to protect the young man. The accomplishments of
the school system and baseball program stand on their own and don't need
protecting.

I taught in the Hartselle School System for more than 30 years and believe
it to be one of the best in the nation. We have teachers and administrators
who genuinely care about our students. I believe we need to be praying
every day for wisdom for them as they go about one of the most important
and difficult jobs in the world.

Jimmy Yarbrough

Hartselle