Always two opinions

Don't be blinded by dedication to guttering flames

Editor, The Times:

Regarding " 'Mr. V' shows kids they matter with humor, patience, tough love" [Times, Local News, June 12]: "Mr. V" [Federal Way High School teacher David Vinson] is babysitting teenagers old enough to be responsible for their own actions. As a taxpayer, I do not want to support the babysitting of this age kid. The kids' parents should be the responsible party.

If the parents do not force the kid to go to school and follow up on grades and attendance, then the parents should be allowed to sign a waiver that indicates that "They do not care either, about their kid attending school." Thereby, the School District should be released from all requirements to educate that child.

The school districts need to enforce truancy penalties strictly. A measure of effort must be made by these kids. Even if they end up passing the WASL, no employer should want them if they cannot get themselves anywhere on time every day. These kids need to learn a trade in order to be productive members of society. Completing the WASL will not mean a paycheck for them in the future.

There certainly are other factors in these kids' lives keeping them from getting to school. I say take them out of school until they understand education is a blessing and a privilege; give them counseling if they need it, but do not expect teachers to do the work of instilling basic social values of survival as a productive member of society. That is the parents' job!

"Mr. V" is a saint for doing what he does, but he shouldn't be doing it. His apparent master skills of teaching could be more efficiently used educating kids who want to learn.

— Heidi Skersies, North Seattle