Letters: Reinstate superintendent | College trustee | Israeli retaliation

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County board should
reinstate fired Dewan

Re: “Ousted school leader files suit” (Page A1, Oct. 10).

I am deeply concerned about the recent termination of Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, a respected leader with 33 years of dedicated service to education. Her abrupt dismissal, behind closed doors and without public explanation, undermines the transparency we expect from elected officials and raises questions about the Santa Clara County Board of Education’s adherence to California’s open meeting laws and whether they violated the terms of her contract.

As a parent in the Santa Clara Unified School District, I witnessed Dewan’s commitment to improving outcomes for all students, particularly the most vulnerable. The community deserves to know why such an effective leader was removed without cause or public input.

I urge the board to reinstate Dewan and ensure transparency in decisions that affect our schools. Our students, families and teachers deserve leadership that prioritizes accountability and openness.

Jenny Higgins
San Jose

Vote for Bernald for
college trustee

With enthusiasm, I heartily recommend Mary-Lynne Bernald, incumbent Area 5 Trustee, for election to the West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees.

As a 46-year resident of Saratoga, a former Saratoga city councilmember and mayor, a former 10-year planning commissioner, and former three-time elected chair of the Santa Clara/Santa Cruz Community Airport Roundtable, Mary-Lynne Bernald will continue serving the entire West Valley-Mission College District community, with a strong focus on responsibility, fiscal management, transparency and effective communication. She will continue to contribute meaningfully to the greater community while maintaining integrity and trust in her role.

Vote for Mary-Lynne Bernald for West Valley-Mission Community College District Area 5 trustee, short term.

Cindy Ruby
Saratoga

Time to stop a year
of Israeli retaliation

One year after Oct. 7, 2023, I am sick to death of my tax money buying bombs that are dropped on schools and bullets shot through the heads of children in Gaza. I am outraged and ashamed over America’s funding the murder of journalists and doctors and the destruction of whole cities. As a Jew, I am appalled that Israel carries out these massacres in my name.

Like my friends in Jewish Voice for Peace and other Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, I call for an immediate cease-fire, the return of captives on both sides and a complete stop to U.S. military aid to Israel.

Please write and call your representatives. Demand no more U.S. bombs going to kill innocents in Gaza, Lebanon and beyond.

David Spero
San Francisco