Re: “High school for everyone,” Jan. 23.

The editorial does an admirable job of explicating all of the values of secondary education. Indeed, we have a long way to go in ensuring that every student negotiates his or her way to graduation.

However, I want to take issue with the suggestion that record levels of graduation in the Greater Victoria school district are not cause for congratulations. Perhaps more to the point, I would like to extend my congratulations to the district, and to superintendent John Gaiptman in particular.

Having worked as a trustee in the district for nine years, and having the opportunity to witness Gaiptman at work, up close, I feel compelled to take issue with the tone of your editorial for these reasons: I have never witnessed Gaiptman boasting of his accomplishments. He is the first to make clear how much work is left to be done.

Likewise, I have never known anyone in the education community who is more dedicated to students and student learning. Finally, what Gaiptman and the staff of the Greater Victoria school district are accomplishing is remarkable, perhaps unmatched in the province.

While there is work left to be done, make no mistake about it: Greater Victoria is blessed indeed to have John Gaiptman as our superintendent of public education.

Jim Holland

Shawnigan Lake

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