Letter: A-Tech has a gem of a principal in Diamond

Friday, Sept. 1, 2006 | 7:17 a.m.

In response to the Sun's Aug. 30 article, "I pledge allegiance, or not, it's my thing," it's equally clear that an oversight was made in reviewing Advance Technologies Academy's teacher handbook and that the issue is being handled appropriately, i.e., the "antiquated" and intrusive policy is being dumped.

What troubled me more was the anonymous tipster's insinuation that A-Tech's principal, Karen Diamond, is unapproachable, and the direct assertion that she is "not ... open to suggestion." I had the great good fortune of working for Ms. Diamond for over seven years, including two years when she was my supervising administrator and five years during which she was in charge of curriculum and instruction.

Not only did I find her approachable, but also perfectly willing to discuss, and even debate, issues regarding our school's programs and policies. She's one of those bosses who trusted me to do the job, valued my input, and made me feel as if it was impossible to fail.

I know it's difficult for a school to transition to new leadership, but I'm confident that, given time, the faculty at A-Tech will find that they have a gem in Ms. Diamond and they will know how much she values them as the wonderful professionals they are. I love the school where I teach and the administration team is super, but I'm jealous that A-Tech got Karen!

Gregory Grant, Las Vegas