Tribune’s journalism hurts job search

Published 8:42 am Monday, February 9, 2009

Let me make clear, first of all, that this letter to the editor to the people of Albert Lea and the six superintendent candidates is from me and I am not speaking for the rest of the school board.

I was very dismayed to read the negative comments printed in the paper that came out of our candidate deliberations. A numbering system was used to try to hide the candidate identities, but with only six candidates, I suspect it was easy to figure out who was who. The same article could have been written not using anyone’s name or at the least accent the positives of these great candidates. Why did Mr. Tim Engstrom feel so compelled to be so hurtful?

These candidates traveled here in good faith, to apply for a job. They are all respected, good people, who care about children and education. They did not come here to be insulted and humiliated in the local paper. My sincerest apologies to the six candidates.

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What Tim Engstrom has done is thwart the process of hiring a superintendent. In the future, must we be apprehensive of having an open dialogue regarding the candidates due to our fear of having them publicly humiliated?

I am sure that Mr. Engstrom will cry freedom of the press. I say next time use a little common sense.

Sally Ehrhardt

member

Albert Lea school board

Albert Lea