Keep JROTC instructor

We would like to inform the citizens of Hermon, Carmel and Levant that three parents or students from the Junior ROTC program were asked to attend an interview for the new JROTC instructor. We have chosen not to attend because we were informed we would have no vote in the hiring of this individual. It is our understanding that this is the only applicant for the position.

We and our JROTC students have had the opportunity to meet this individual and make no judgment pro or con. We go back to our original contention that the JROTC program had an excellent instructor in Col. Tony Zamojda, who had the confidence of students and parents. Therefore, we contend he should have remained in the position of JROTC instructor. As parents we have supported this program and will continue to do so.

The continuity of instructors and teachers at Hermon High School should be of utmost importance to the school committee and superintendent. High school is a four-year program, teachers should remain in the system long enough to know the students personally. I cannot fathom why, when you have a teacher of this caliber (as private school systems have), you would choose not to renew the contract. If the administration was unhappy with the teacher’s performance, then performance reviews should be conducted throughout the probationary period, not a month before renewal. Renee Overlock Carmel