What a shame that Brewer High School has lost Ned Smith, a truly caring and dedicated teacher, because a “… teacher objected to the manner in which he was relating to a couple of students” (BDN, June 3) and filed a complaint. We have known Ned for 20 years and have seen the rapport he has with his students and the mutual respect they share.

We have witnessed numerous incidents where Ned has gone far beyond the duties of a teacher to help his students. How unfortunate that his singular ability to engage and motivate special needs students should be mischaracterized. We wonder if anyone has asked his students whether they felt they were in any way abused and feel confident that once all the facts are known Ned will be exonerated

Wayne and Abigail Garthwait

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