Can't fight city hall, or LVUSD

Regarding the article "White Oak parents still upset over split second- and third-grade class," April 5: It may seem like a small point, but it is important to clarify that while I was paraphrased as saying Dr. Irshay's actions were punitive and possibly discriminatory, in my statement to the reporter I actually referred to the actions of both the district and Dr. Irshay which I said, "Seem punitive at best and at worst discriminatory." I do not separate Dr. Irshay's actions from those of the district.

From the beginning, parents were told by the LVUSD that decisions related to the split class were made by Irshay and told by Irshay that the decisions lay with the district. This is indicative of the type of obstacle we parents faced while trying to remedy the situation for our six children. We were prepared to accept the creation of an overflow class, which is exactly what LVUSD approved the prior year to address similar numbers and which was more budget-friendly to the district than alternatives. We were not being unreasonable. The problem was that the overflow would still cost them something.

We respectfully followed every proper course of action one could expect to change the outcome for our children. Sadly, it was to no avail. I cannot adequately express how disheartening, disillusioning and frustrating this experience has been. The fact that this group of intelligent, involved, motivated, caring and articulate parents, who have supported our school- and thus the district- generously with our time and finances, could be rendered so powerless when it counted so much should be of concern to every parent. We experienced firsthand why the saying "you can't fight city hall" was coined.

Thank goodness for the wonderful teachers at our school who weather all the bureaucracy and give their students the best they can every day. You are our saving graces, and I thank you. Joanne Morris Westlake Village