A Different Reading Of The

Driving School Story

To the Editor:

While Mr Voket is may be an experienced reporter, how he reports the facts in his articles slants the readers’ perspective. His recent article on “All-Star Driver’s Ed in the School District” [Bee 5/8/09] is a case in point: He implies both a connection to the All-Star/MTM busing discussion and an impropriety where in fact none exists.  Had he admitted that he was looking for a tie-in when he came to my office, I would have addressed it then. 

Now I would like to address some of the specifics in his article.

The move to engage All-Star Driving School was made following the process that Continuing Education makes with all of its instructors. We contacted and researched several vendors. After thorough investigation and evaluation of all criteria, we determined and contracted for the best match between the available programs and our student’s (or community’s) needs. The possibility, had we even known it, that All-Star was a bidder for the busing contract, never factored into our decision.

Coincidence or not, the move to replace (not fire) an instructor was based on the student feedback, not incompetency or criminal charges (as the article implies). In fact, we consider All-Star’s readiness and willingness to provide a different instructor, one better able to keep the students engaged and interested, a distinct advantage. This example was given to Mr Voket in talking about the professionalism of the company. We also stated that Mr Dufour presented himself professionally, returned our calls in a timely manner and showed up for appointments when he said he would.  We cannot say the same for others.

Your readers should know that all outside vendors pay a room use fee, as per Board of Ed policy 3-800.1. There is nothing to admit.  Mr Voket asked and the question was answered honestly and openly.  The use of “admit” implies intent to conceal.

We did not choose economy over safety in our decision.  Since acquiring Academy of Driving, All-Star has hired a safety coordinator and has put all of its instructors through a retraining process and performs random drug screening.

I have lived in Newtown for 20 years.  I have subscribed to The Bee all of that time.  But if the articles in The Bee are as slanted as this one was, I will have to think twice before believing what I read.

Elissa Gellis,

Director

Newtown Continuing Education

8 Lazybrook Road, Newtown                                            May 13, 2009