Russellville teacher

Russellville lost a gem on Thursday evening when the school board voted to fire a teacher over an inappropriate social-media post. In doing so, the board chose retaliation over remediation.

For more than 10 years, this teacher inspired both children and colleagues. He earned accolades and awards, held advanced degrees and certifications. He could have pursued more lucrative opportunities elsewhere but, instead, he chose to invest in our schools and in our community.

Yes, this gem had a flaw. But rather than valuing his brilliance--the light he brought into classrooms, the difference he made in lives--the board chose to discard him. In that moment, they dismissed not only the man, but also the example of grace, redemption, and forgiveness our children desperately need to see, and are the core beliefs of our community. The board also deprived our children of an outstanding teacher.

Yet all is not lost. This gem will shine again in a community that recognizes his worth and refuses to define him by one mistake. Because the truth is simple: Every gem has flaws. And who among us doesn't?

DANIELLE SMITH

London

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