District right to care about teachers' safety

After reading Mr. Fortin’s recent letter criticizing teachers and other school district employees who enjoy a “snow day” along with the children, I knew I had to respond in defense of teachers.

Perhaps Mr. Fortin does not understand that most teachers spend many, many hours outside of school working. They take papers home to grade, lessons home to plan and prepare, they attend concerts, activities, and fundraisers in the evenings, and quietly perform many other duties outside of the classroom.

Teachers do far more than teach — they counsel, guide, mentor, and care for our children in many capacities. They are underpaid yet dedicated and professional, so if they get a rare day to work at home when the weather and roads are dangerous, then please respect that and find more productive ways to spend your energy.

Instead of criticizing our school employees and undermining the good they do, perhaps you could find ways to support our schools and teachers.

My children have attended five different schools in this district, and I have found all the teachers, staff, and administrators to be very dedicated and caring. Snow days are not very common in this area, and there are some years when we do not get any, even when the weather is extreme. I, for one, am grateful when the district makes the safety of its children and employees a priority.

LAUREN LOUTZENHISER

Sandpoint