Dear Editor:

In a recent dialogue between Franklin County School Superintendent Dr. Bert L’Homme and state Sen. Doug Berger, Dr. L’Homme defended the schools from having to accept students with criminal records.

“I believe we are protecting our children,” L’Homme was heard to say.

Sen. Doug Berger believes the criminal record of 16- and 17-year-olds should be erased, and then allow these lawbreakers to be mainstreamed back into public schools to give them a “second chance.”

There is no doubt some of these young people made an immature decision, which resulted in being arrested for a petty crime. But far too many were arrested for good reason because they are a danger to the community.

Allowing them to be mainstreamed puts the vast majority of students and faculty at risk. We cannot put the security and safety of our schools in jeopardy by allowing a convicted child stalker or a criminal convicted of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor into an environment ill-equipped to handle such a criminal.

State Sen. Doug Berger takes a Socialist approach to solve most of the problems which he confronts. He chooses to sponsor and support laws that impact the finances or mandate the behavior of the majority in order to solve problems created by very few.

This Socialist approach he supports for our schools requires that the vast majority of students who are actively seeking a high quality education, and the faculty seeking a safe, productive working climate, are punished and put at risk in order to serve the needs of a disruptive few.

The causes of disruptive behavior are many, and have little to do with school. But disruptive students can, in most cases, be brought into line given the opportunity to receive an education designed to address their special needs. In state after state, charter schools have proved to be a very viable alternative. Some are located in North Carolina. There is an obvious pressing need for more.

But Sen. Berger has chosen to limit his support for expanding charter schools. This approach permits him to pander to the special interests who support him without serving the best interests of the community.

Chuck Stires
Youngsville