There comes a time when more effort gives reduced results. Media persons, school sources, candidates, it can start unraveling. One big bone of contention is House Bill 33. A number of misunderstandings and issues revolve around that one.

First, that the district got $800,000 for the year and that it was earmarked for technology. Yes and no. It was for tangibles: plumbing, roofing, lights, whatever, but not earmarked, not restricted, for technology. Several people had the idea that it was. Perhaps that source was one several people consulted, because they came up with identical conclusions on that. Charges of reckless spending and worse resulted, but they were unfounded.

Next, a call to Candy Milam, asking what the district received from HB-33 got the response of $20,800. It turns out that was a mixed answer, too. $20,800 was really for preparing for the PARCC Test, not from HB-33. That amount represented the state's help so the district could take the PARCC Test. The actual cost of the test was over $48,000, so the district didn't do too well on that one. Down another $27,200 and losing fast.

Are there other mixed answers floating around? More than likely. With all the energy spent on getting usable facts, and considering how short the pre-election period is, it may be more productive to step back and act like a lady or a gentleman. Milam didn't mislead anyone purposely. She may have misunderstood the question. Maybe it wasn't clear. She does a good job as past audits prove. She is careful.

When Petty used part of that information Thursday night, was he a rascal? When Stewart McClintic used the HB-33 question, was he setting anyone up? The best answer may be from Gutierrez. He knows from his work that communications are both more difficult and more important than people suspect. It takes time and practice to communicate well, without misleading or offending.

Let's practice some of that tolerance we ask others to use, and prove we are part of the same community, willing to help one another do better. No fall guys or punching bags. No targets we hope to trap. More of this good-will early on might have avoided 90 percent of the present animosity we have seen, and it should have resulted in unity and cooperation to make schools better. It's late, but not too late to start. All it takes is generous spirits... and a lot less pressure.

Margaret Hopper

Silver City