So, why is it a surprise that enrollment is down, which will in turn keep them from building a high school? Ostensibly, this was the plan all along of those engaged in public education in Haywood County.  Well done. I see that the Haywood County Schools Foundation has on its board the editor of the Mountaineer, an employee of The Smoky Mountain News, and several people with strong ties to Haywood public schools. Actually, half the board. How convenient.

News articles always mention that Shining Rock is “publicly funded,” which gives you the right to report in an unbiased manner, but if that is so, why are the shortcomings of the other public schools never mentioned? I have personally heard public school teachers saying, “If that school wasn’t there, we could do lots with that money.” Granted, the foundation does much to support local schools — minus Shining Rock. Why are they not included? The goal is the same: educating our children, and this would certainly incentivize the people at SRCA. Of scholarships, only three students other than Tuscola or Pisgah were awarded. You betray your own prejudice.

There have been rocks in the road to establishment of SRCA. The fiasco with the three mothers was reported gleefully by you, but when Mr. Morgan was cleared, there was only cursory mention. He is now headmaster and is doing a great job, but you are not interested in that — it doesn't meet your agenda. 

Crow is hard to chew. Our children will go to Shining Rock as long as it is there, and, should it fail, we will home school them or find other avenues to see that they get a well-rounded education. Their education focuses on six core values: integrity; respect; compassion; responsibility; wisdom and leadership, and we believe they are accomplishing those goals. Haywood schools have had 200 years to get it right and still they have shortcomings, and it has nothing to do with funding for Shining Rock. 

David A. Williams

Waynesville