In his poem “An Essay on Criticism, Part II” (1711), English poet Alexander Pope writes:
“Ah ne’er so dire a thirst of glory boast,
Nor in the Critick let the man be lost!
Good-Nature and Good-Sense must ever join;
To err is Human: to Forgive Divine.”
Presidents, parents, physicians, soldiers, students, lawyers, mechanics, judges, clerks, nurses and so on – no matter the extent of our education or experience, none of us are immune from the possibility of making a judgment error or regrettable decision. Who amongst us can claim never to have committed either one at sometime during their personal or professional lives?
Terri Forsten has served as superintendent of the Concord School District for more than four years. She has performed her duties in a capable, dignified, professional manner that speaks to her dedication to ensure that our children receive the best education possible for their ultimate success. She is a caring, honest, knowledgeable, responsible administrator.
Mrs. Forsten is as vulnerable to “erring” as you or I.
As a caring, compassionate people, let us work together to heal the wound inflicted upon our school community. Let the police do their job with Mr. Leung. Let us support our superintendent and the work that needs to continue in updating Concord School District policies. And, let us teach our children that “to err is human, to forgive divine,” and help them move forward into the new school year with our assurance that we will do all in our power as family, friends, teachers, administrators, school board members and police personnel to prevent this from happening again.
CYNDY BURKE
Concord