Describing U-46 as 'mess' is over the top

I take issue with Kerry Lester's opening paragraph in a recent Daily Herald, stating that Dr. Jose Torres inherited a mess when he came to School District U-46. I would like to invite the reporter to come to my school, Coleman Elementary. The reporter would see a clean, inviting environment filled with happy, respectful children. If he or she went into a classroom, he or she would observe students engaged in active learning. If the reporter came to my other school, a special education program that is model for other programs around the country, he or she would observe disabled students learning to be independent members of our society.

School District U-46 is filled with hardworking, dedicated employees, and families who care deeply about the futures of their children. My own sons were educated in U-46 schools and went on to attend well-respected universities. We may face problems and challenges in U-46, but I think Dr. Torres would agree with me that we are not a mess.

Julia Olsta, School nurse

Bartlett