There was more common sense spoken and wisdom generated at last week's raucous but still dignified hearing on the mismanaged attempt at squashing Pathfinder and Cooper together than West Seattle has seen in a long while.

The tense and grim face of Superintendent Raj Manhas told the story. He simply did not understand why such a simple plan to save money was being so emotionally rejected by both schools.

"When you take the heart out of something, it's dead," said a person to applause from parents and students from both schools. A teacher recalled a meaningful parallel from one of her students, who said combining the two schools would be like mixing blue and yellow to make green, when nobody wants green.

This idea is something that does not deserve any more time or effort. The charade must stop before some very important kids are badly damaged by the clueless meddling of people who do not seem to understand what is at stake.

There appears to be another case where financial planning is replacing good education. While this paper has not had the staff to investigate it, a letter on this page today cites the case of Roxhill Elementary School. Test scores are up and this despite the fact 83 percent of the students are of color and qualify for free and reduced lunches.

It may be that too many knowledgeable central staff people have been let go and those remaining have been too long out of, or maybe never in the classroom. Saving money is good, but at the expense of our children it is an abomination. Our schools are already starved for money and quality education. Let's not add to the problems. Give this plan up and go back and find that work without destroying children.

- Jack Mayne