Letter: Former teacher says Tudesko expulsion harsh

The Willows school board decision to expel a 16-year-old student for having an unloaded shotgun in his truck, parked off campus, appears to be hysterical overkill.

I hope the Glenn County Board of Education will take a less reactionary approach, set the expulsion aside, and allow the boy the opportunity to continue his education.

Concern for "the safety of students and staff," as expressed by Willows High School principal Mort Geivett is a universal community concern that should be tempered by the relative and comparative danger posed.

Is Mr. Geivett equally concerned that a score of firearms, both loaded and unloaded, are likely housed in homes within a 1,000 feet of the high, intermediate and elementary schools?

I took up deer hunting after I started teaching at Elk Creek High School. Back then, it wasn't unusual for the students, and teachers, just like Gary Tudesko, to hunt before and after school and for many to keep their guns handy, out of sight, in their vehicles in the school parking lot.

I never felt threatened by the proximity or safer when the practice ceased. Any Columbine types, wishing to maximize a massacre, would not have done it during deer season in Elk Creek.

Of course, this behavior and practice that we indulged in was wholly inappropriate, to say the least, and just like Gary, we "should have known better."

The Willows school board's action also appears inappropriate and, overly harsh, given the circumstances. Escalating gang violence is a serious threat to our community, and unless I missed something in the paper, Gary Tudesko is not.

He has already been suspended; let him go back to his classes.

Ron Reed

Willows