Here are my thoughts after reading your March 25 editorial (“The result doesn’t always justify the means”):

For eight years my family has been part of the Conejo Open Classroom. Like all Californians, budget cuts hurt us last year. We held signs, attended meetings and grieved the unwelcome changes.

But we didn’t stop there.

We were challenged to regroup, so that’s exactly what we did. Superbly capable leadership from our principal, Dr. Dena Sellers, helped us keep our eyes on the true prize: children becoming strong capable thinkers, with strong character, loving to learn, and moving forward with a strong sense of their own capacities and worth in the world.

Today, there’s growing momentum and excitement for the carefully honed direction of the Leadership Magnet.

Teachers and families truly committed to the well-being of children, not only Open Classroom students, but all students at Conejo have risen above the fray. They’re too busy building the vision to pay attention to unfounded public smears, too consumed with keeping their noses to the grind stone of innovation and excellence to toot their own horns or engage in negativity.

While the noise and drama of turmoil and hostility may be intriguing and captures the attention of readers who love a good soap opera tiff, I believe most parents are looking for an established, stable and yet dynamic educational environment.

It would be a travesty for local families to miss knowing about the unique, powerful, whole-child achievements in learning which take place daily at the Leadership Magnet.

Never before have I been more excited about the direction and quality of the people who are shaping our program.

Sometimes the spotlight needs to shine on what’s working.

Sometimes the real champions who live with their moral compasses well in hand deserve a headline or two. I’m inspired, proud and grateful to be part of the Leadership Magnet community, where the integrity of purpose and process is palpable.

Today I speak out to offer my heartfelt “thank you” for those who are making a life-changing difference every day, walking the walk, with a lot less talk.
Janet Hansted
Thousand Oaks