Dear Editor:
There were two school board meetings about the dismissal of one of Hoboken’s best teachers, Paula Ohaus that never should have taken place. Here is someone who makes kids want to go to school, who encourages real self esteem and school spirit by developing meaningful skills, as opposed to the usual constipated formulas that don’t work. In the process she has brought well deserved honor to a school system that apparently doesn’t want it.
I was hoping the new superintendent would be an improvement on the last. Amazingly, he’s worse. Within weeks he has caused serious damage. I can see that we have hired a consummate bureaucrat. During the meeting he asked if a private corporation would have put up with some of the things Ms Ohaus has done. My answer is that an intelligently run company would give her free reign instead of stifling her. No company headed by people as lacking in imagination as Dr. Toback or “Kids First” would stay in business long. But that’s the wrong question. Schools aren’t private corporations. They’re supposed to look after the long term interests of students, and in this instance have failed.
Meanwhile, where was the teacher’s union? They’re so punch drunk from all the abuse being heaped on them by political opportunists and right wing demagogues that they don’t know who their friends are. They should be allying themselves with students, parents and progressive members of the community rather than cutting deals with board members whose agenda doesn’t include the well being of students. Congratulations on shooting yourself in the foot once again. If unions are going to have a future, wouldn’t it be a good idea to cultivate the respect of the next generation?
I’m just one of many parents whose child was helped by Paula Ohaus. Even though she wasn’t in the theatre arts program, Paula saw her art work and asked her to design posters for school plays. Those posters wound up as an important part of the portfolio that got her into the college of her choice. Paula also saw her musical skills and reached out to her, which is more than I can say for any of the schools music teachers.
This system seems grimly determined to maintain strict standards of mediocrity and alienation. It’s a lose lose situation. The kids lose a great teacher, the school loses an inspired employee, “Kids First” loses the next election, and Dr. Toback loses his job when his contract comes due.
Greg Ribot