SUSAN PRITCHARD, Ph.D.
CONTACT ME
Click here for Science on the Web
Ever since having the utmost privilege of taking the oath of office after truly being given the vote of confidence from the La Habra community during the election of 2020, I have asked myself have I done everything I can for the betterment of the students, their families and the LHCSD family of all staff members.
I have often said in the past several months that it would be beneficial if all teachers could be a trustee for one day. The differences between having the privilege of teaching our students entrusted to us and being a trustee who must follow the Brown Act and the Board Policies already enacted, is a balancing act indeed. It is one, though, that I feel honored and blessed to be given. And I thank you all.
If someone would ask you to answer this question, “ what is the greatest enemy of science,” would they know that the answer is lies? If I ask you if you have believed all that has been told you over the past two years, would you say you did? Knowing that the truths are out there because the data is out there is a comfort, but not knowing how many people have heard the facts, as shown by actual data, is a huge concern. My beliefs are not based on feelings as I have been trained to follow the data, research the data, consider all aspects of the data, question the data and make as best decisions once I have what I believe to be all of the data possible. We can discuss things said by different government agencies and representatives. What has been said by different institutes of higher education, medical research, media corporations, or big tech through various social media outlets. The hard truth, though, is … as a trustee I follow the Brown Act, I follow the Board By-Laws, and I follow the truth. I know that I am not the spokesperson for the board, that protocol is laid out to be the president of the board.
So what do I know right now:
1-I know that our schools are cleaned constantly, the air filtration is excellent and I have been assured that not a single dose of medicine or a single shot of any kind has ever been given to our students unless authorized by both a doctor and the parents/guardians of the students. My understanding is that the only inoculations ever given are Epi Pen shots necessary to avoid anaphylactic shock due to a possible life threatening allergic reaction of some kind or possibly insulin shots as needed for diabetic students.
2-I know our teachers and all staff have gone above and beyond to do their very best in what has been the most difficult of times because of the unknowns and my appreciation for all they have done and continue to do is beyond measure.
3-I know the negative economic impact of the lockdowns, the quarantines, etc. has had an effect on all of our families in some way … and I know that the LHCSD family has tried to help with that in as many ways possible … and I am so proud of what has been done and continues to be done.