Re “An Opioid Crisis Hits Home”: Ember Conley should be commended for her ongoing work to educate and combat the illegal drug epidemic in Park City, Utah, and beyond. I know from my past experience as a superintendent that you don’t seek out these high-profile tragedies as a public school leader, but when you do face such an issue, you have two choices — SHRINK FROM IT OR LEAD.

Conley has been boldly leading outward and using the platform she has. Even if she helps one family or child, her effort is certainly worth it.

DAVE DOTY
VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION & TRAINING,
MANAGEMENT & TRAINING CORP.,
CENTERVILLE, UTAH


A Voice Fighting Opioids
Ember Conley demonstrates what it means to be transparent, a real voice about the opioid crisis we all face and a true leader. Her article in School Administrator brings a face to the drug epidemic that all communities are encountering.

I thank her for her leadership and sharing her community’s experience. I loved her article.

DANIEL FISHBEIN
SUPERINTENDENT,
RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT,
RIDGEWOOD, N.J.


Ember Conley contributed a great article. Too bad it was on such a tragedy. I’m sorry her district has had to deal with those losses.

DANIEL P. BENAVIDEZ
SUPERINTENDENT,
ZUNI PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT,
ZUNI, N.M.


Ember Conley is my superintendent in Park City. A relative reached out to me when she saw the article. I appreciated her addressing how we can mourn the children we lost and make a difference for others while still being cognizant of their family and friends.

JULIE HOOKER
ENGLISH TEACHER,
PARK CITY HIGH SCHOOL,
PARK CITY, UTAH 


Distinction on Dyslexia
I commend Shelley Berman on his outstanding article, “Dyslexia: Hiding in Plain Sight” highlighting dyslexia identification and appropriate reading instruction in schools.

As the parent of two dyslexic students who were late-identified, I am frequently reading about dyslexia and trying to do everything I can to bring awareness and change in our community. His account in your magazine is among the most enlightened, fact-based, action-oriented writing on the subject I have seen from school administration.

Hopefully Berman’s article will be a useful resource for his peers in other districts who wish to remove the barriers to learning that exist today for dyslexic students in public schools.

Because the article was so distinctive, it was circulated widely via social media, and many parents are jumping for joy to hear a superintendent tell this story.

MICHELE BARNETT
PARENT,
LAKE OSWEGO SCHOOL DISTRICT,
LAKE OSWEGO, ORE.