Foshay Principal Leads a Dedicated Staff

Re “Principal’s Legacy Is the Imprint of Success,” July 4:

Howard Lappin, the principal at Foshay Learning Center, is an example of true vision and leadership. He is responsible for the turnaround in student achievement, but he could not do it alone. Through his leadership, teachers and staff have not only improved student achievement and lowered the dropout rate but have become a model for others.

The media all too often present the negative side of Los Angeles schools. There are in fact many dedicated individuals working in L.A. schools. It is also a fact that it is difficult to keep good people when the pay, working conditions and retirement provisions are so poor. Dedication and vision do not put food on the table.

Chuck Trudeau

Shadow Hills

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Too often we only read about the star athletes and movie stars as evidence of success. Lappin’s accomplishments at Foshay Learning Center in South-Central L.A. are deserving of our commendation--much more so than the high points scored by a professional athlete or the billboards announcing a new movie. Lappin is a true hero--a real star. We ought to encourage more of that kind of real success.

George Epstein

Los Angeles