EDITOR: It is our understanding that Morgan Hill Unified has
just laid off our principal at El Toro Elementary School, Kathleen
Masner. Let us remind you of the history of El Toro
’s principals. In the last seven years, El Toro has had four
principals. Every time a new principal starts at El Toro it takes
about two years to adjust to the change. The last three principals
have only been at El Toro for two years.
EDITOR:
It is our understanding that Morgan Hill Unified has just laid off our principal at El Toro Elementary School, Kathleen Masner. Let us remind you of the history of El Toro’s principals. In the last seven years, El Toro has had four principals. Every time a new principal starts at El Toro it takes about two years to adjust to the change. The last three principals have only been at El Toro for two years.
Kathleen Masner is an exceptional principal. She came to El Toro and has worked vigorously with the staff to keep El Toro running smoothly. Kathleen now knows the staff and students and really cares about the education and growth of our children. Parents have gotten to know her well and rely upon her for assistance in the education of their children.
El Toro is one of the larger elementary school (580-plus students) in Morgan Hill, which requires Kathleen to put in many 15-hour days to keep it running smoothly. Compare that to some of the smaller elementary schools (with only 375-450 students).
Obviously, with a larger school there are more students, more staff, more parents, more paperwork, and more interruptions. She has worked hours upon hours, including weekends, and the many afternoon and evening meetings that the district has required. She is conscientious in everything she does at El Toro.
The district will probably keep the music program, remove class-size reduction and not concern themselves about the basics of education. Yes, $3 million must be cut from the district budget, but you start by keeping the most important part of education for the students and remove the extras. This district is about educating our students.
Before we lose an excellent employee in Kathleen, and she will find employment in another district because she is an asset to any employer, consider keeping her at El Toro Elementary School. We, the staff at El Toro, are tired of starting over.
Concerned staff at El Toro School,
Morgan Hill
