By CHELLY YOUNG

It’s 2 a.m. and I can’t sleep because I’m angry. I’m angry because of the discrimination lawsuit brought against my principal, Kathryn Vandenkieboom, and Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) by Zeynep Unal.

I have been employed by LAPS for 27 years and have had the privilege of teaching at three of the five elementary schools. I feel like I cannot, in good conscience, remain quiet about this suit.

For obvious reasons, I cannot publish details regarding my issues and the knowledge I have, which is another reason I can’t sleep. I’m furious at KOBTV, which aired a VERY one-sided story in Zeynep’s favor on Jan. 31, 2016. I’m frustrated the other side is not being heard.

It is apparent to me that KOBTV didn’t contact LAPS to validate information given to them or probe deeper:

• Is she really the ONLY non-American born teacher in Los Alamos?
• Except for the very early days in Los Alamos, has anyone in the district EVER had a classroom of 50 students?
• Has she ever filed grievances against other principals in the past?
• Why did she leave other schools prior to teaching at Aspen?
• Were other teachers asked to move out to portables the particular year she was asked to as well?
• How many times was this case dismissed prior?

Two final questions I have that keep bothering me:

• Would anyone have known of Zeynep’s particular religion if she hadn’t made it a point to let it be known, rather than just say she was from Turkey? And why now, in this latest affidavit, does she bring that point up?
• Zeynep is suing the very district that provides her paycheck. If LAPS is so horrible and has done her so wrong, why is she choosing to remain employed?

Kathryn Vandenkieboom is a very skilled and caring principal. She has always made decisions based on what’s best for kids, even if it might mean a little extra work on the teachers’ parts, and that is one of the many reasons I respect her. Kathryn is an exemplary leader whose vision, acceptance of all races and religions, and whose ability to create a safe, rigorous place of learning has placed her in very high regard by many.

Respectfully submitted.