Revered Orange High School principal, Armond Hankins, will not have his contract renewed after this school year. This is extremely disappointing to many in the community.

Unfortunately, no explanation will be given as, according to the Board of Education, this is a personnel matter.

After expressing my discontent, I was informed that Mr. Hankins was offered an assistant principalship in the county. This demotion is unacceptable. I have learned today that his current position has been posted. It appears that the school system is moving expeditiously to avert any momentum to try to keep Mr. Hankins at Orange High.

In the two years Mr. Hankins has been principal, Orange High has achieved “School of Distinction” honors. It has also been awarded “School of Distinction with High Growth” honors. Suspensions are down and SAT scores are up. Achievement Gaps have lessened. This year’s “Teacher of the Year” at Orange High was also selected “Teacher of the Year” in the Orange County Schools system.

In the recent past, contract renewals were not offered to past Superintendent Shirley Carraway, administrator Donna Williams and principal Mamie Jay. The system has cultivated an environment where it allows parents, boosters, and a few teachers to dictate who will lead them. From where I stand the school system wants to give the appearance of being diverse and inclusive while its ultimate agenda is quite the contrary.

In an educational environment, as well as a society, it is extremely important to see and have role models that “look like me.” Students of color, in the Orange County school system, have very few of these role models. The ones that they’ve had, in the most recent past, have been dismissed. What’s going on?

Bryant M. Colson

Hillsborough

Death-defying ride

As May, the official Bicycle to Work Month, comes to a close, I would like to tip my hat to the planners and engineers of Chapel Hill for their recent improvements to MLK’s bike lanes.

I commute by bicycle every day. I’m not trying to save the planet or improve my health. I like the thrill. And by removing the top layer of asphalt from the right hand lanes of MLK, including the bike "sharrows", Chapel Hill has turned an already difficult commute into a death-defying one. Well done! But before you finish, can we get a Evel Knievel jump at the bottom of the hill too?

Peter Starback

Chapel Hill

Give on June 5

Start the summer by giving the gift of life. Faculty, staff, students and members of the community are invited to the 24th annual Carolina Blood Drive with the American Red Cross, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 5 in the Dean Smith Center. Donors will have free parking by the Dean Dome. The drive goal is 1000 units.

The summer is a tough time for hospitals and patients. Many of us are extremely busy, and blood donations typically decrease. But the demand for blood does not.

Walk-ins will be welcome, but appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, visit unc.edu/blood or call 919-493-3551, ext. 380.

Besides the warm feeling of a good deed done, you’ll get free food, a free T-shirt and a chance to win door prizes. I hope you will join us for this important event.

Katrina Coble

Carolina Blood Drive