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Letter to the Editor

Former SDJA Principal says critique 
by Dana Greene was 'on the mark'

 

 
 
June 5, 2006

Editor, jewishsightseeing.com

Dana Greene is  to be heartily congratulated on her  recent article referring  to the inappropriate, to say the least, treatment by the San Diego Jewish Academy of my esteemed colleagues Karen Rund and Rita Cohen.

Every word you have written is totally on the mark and I must say that I am not surprised at all what has happened. The community at large has been patently aware that there has been an obvious change in attitude towards the educators at the school since the late 1990's. Instead of being regarded as a professionals they have become mere employees of what has become in a business-based entity
 
Of course, both Karen and Rita can be more than well satisfied with what they have contributed to education and to many hundred/s ( nay probably thousands) of students over the years. They  can hold their  head high and be most proud of themselves.
What you have said is so true. While we all accept the need to run school in an economical and efficient manner it is a truism that when authorities (especially fellow educators) look at the institution as a 'business' they (yes, even our fellow educators) clearly do not understand education and have lost the 'plot'. Obviously the SDJA has lost its 'soul' something to which both Karen and Rita  have contributed so significantly over the years.
 
They'll no doubt withstand this setback as they have done with setbacks in the past, and they'll do so with fortitude and determination. We must wish them well with sincere thanks.
 
In the meanwhile the SDJA will continue on its merry way without any clue as to what it really means to be a Jewish Day School unless of course, being Jewish means having a beautiful facility with well dressed sports teams--something which most schools can offer anyway.

Well done again with best wishes.
 
Mike Kessel.
Principal and Headmaster.
SDJA 1990-1999.

Kessel is now living in South Africa