Canceling travel expenses a bad idea

In response to the letter by Mike Dunn, "Trustee wants feedback from public regarding school closure plan," published in the July 26 edition, I'd like to comment on one of his suggestions. In his letter, Dunn proposes cutting the travel and conference expenses in an effort to keep all elementary schools open in future years.

Having sent three children of my own through Conejo Valley schools, K-12, it's clear that the expectation in our community, as in most, is for superb instruction.

We all want our children, our students, to be taught by exceptional educators. One of the best ways for Conejo to keep teachers strong in the classroom is by sending them to regularly scheduled seminars and conferences.

Educators need to be lifelong learners. They must keep up with new and improved instructional innovations. They need to keep current on the most recent technology in education. Teachers also need the ability to establish collegial relationships with others in their field.

What better way to continue learning, strengthening and collaborating than by attending the appropriate conferences?

So, let's reevaluate where cuts should really be made. Let's allow Conejo teachers to continue their own instructional growth and education by maintaining the travel and conference budget. It's for the good of our students and for Conejo Valley Unified School District. Karen Reddick Westlake Village