Letter: Central Gaither dad: Keep doors open

The other day my son was honored as a “Student of the Month” at Central Gaither Elementary.

My wife and I were very proud of him.

Not so much for the award, but for the fact that he was able to sit with his peers through a long assembly, respond when his name was called and stand appropriately in front of the crowded hall to accept his award.

Tommy has Down syndrome, and the school community at Central Gaither has welcomed him with open arms.

Tommy previously attended one of the larger schools in Yuba City and he struggled to find a comfort zone amid the crowds and the large campus.

At the small, rural CG campus, Tommy and his peers thrive in the intimate and supporting atmosphere created by Principal Debbie Everett and her staff.

Because of California’s economic challenges, Central Gaither is in the Yuba City Unified School District’s sights for possible closure.

The argument is that larger schools are more cost-efficient and can provide better services for the students.

Those of us in the CG community argue that some students attain their highest potential in a small, nurturing environment.

One size does not fit all. We challenge the YCUSD board to make the tough decision – allow the students of CG the ongoing opportunity to learn and thrive in the environment where they are most successful.

Brian Berg

Yuba City