Appalled by board of education's actions

To the Editor: As a past resident of Sparta for more than 30 years, and as a retired employee of the Sparta Board of Education, I am appalled at the continuing bad press that the board is giving to itself! I believe that over the years, the way the administration has shown disfavor has been to punish in some fashion. Melva Cummings has been “punished” for years. Is this just one more vendetta against her? From what I have been reading, the salary increase for Kathleen Monks after one year’s employment would have almost paid for the replacement music teacher at the Helen Morgan School. This loss eliminates an adequate program for hundreds of students! Not too long ago, a head secretary requested that her salary be brought up to the levels of other secretaries in her position. She was told she had the option of agreeing to the salary in the contract at the time of signing it and that nothing could be done. When did that policy change? I think it is time for the board of education to realize that its loyalty belongs to the students of Sparta. Let Sparta remain a town that is proud of its students and schools instead of being embarrassed by the actions of the board of education. Joanne Reiner New Bern, N.C.