After seeing the TV news interview with Student 11, we felt compelled to write this letter.

Although our children did not have Ms. Aister, we all know her to be highly respected by students, parents and peers. This seems too harsh a punishment for the supposed “crime.”

In The Fountain Hills Times dated Oct. 1, the article stated that the evidence supporting the termination was based on the FHUSD board policies, as well as Arizona Administrative Code R7-2-1308, involving “unprofessional and immoral conduct” of certified personnel. It stated that Ms. Aister was “heavy handed and unprofessional and she did not make the well-being of the students the fundamental value of her decision making and her actions.”

Also, “She did not accord the students the dignity and respect they deserved.”

If this is the case, then perhaps the district should consider cleaning house. Over the years there have been a few known teachers and coaches who have had a number of complaints, some regarding the humiliation and degradation of students/players without having any disciplinary action taken against them. It seems to be a double standard at its best!

Thankfully we do have many dedicated and highly-respected teachers, coaches and staff, however, they do not always get the support and appreciation they deserve.

It’s unfortunate that some fine members of the staff have been “discharged,” perhaps to budget cuts, but regardless, shocking to those individuals and many of us in town.

We have always instilled in our children the importance of kindness, compassion and respect to all others. If they ever treated anyone any different, they would have to answer to us! Sadly, intolerance and bullying are taking over our world.

From what we perceive, this teacher of 24 years in the FHUSD was merely acting with the best of intentions.