Principal Jim Nielsen

I had the privilege of working with Jim Nielsen for five years when he served as assistant principal of Rio Mesa High School. I found him to be a man of great integrity who always showed fairness to all of our students no matter what their race.

In particular, I admired the way in which he interacted with our Latino students; He was instrumental in setting up our noon-hour handball tournaments and in keeping the weight room open during the noon hour. He also led support groups for gang-involved students after school.

Our students had great respect for Mr. Nielsen, and he, in turn, respected the students.

I realize that Mr. Nielsen has high expectations of those who work for him but that is as it should be in order to maintain a professional atmosphere in an educational institution.

In my opinion, it would be a great disservice to Channel Islands High School to remove Mr. Nielsen as principal.

BETTY BRIGHT

Special Programs Counselor

Rio Mesa High School

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* I worked for several years with Jim Nielsen at Van Nuys High School, supervising his work in the assistant principal’s office.

Van Nuys was an ethnically diverse school with one of the oldest barrios in the San Fernando Valley. His work was excellent and showed a remarkable sensitivity to the various ethnicities on our campus. I never observed or heard of any incident or comment that would reflect any bias on his part directed toward any group.

I believe my 44 years teaching and administering schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District give me the background and perspective to evaluate the attitudes of people with whom I have worked. I found Nielsen to be sensitive, empathetic and dedicated in his efforts to help all young people. Draconian? No. Fair and firm? Yes.

MARTIN KING

LAUSD principal (retired)

Westlake Village

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* I am very disheartened and angered by the recent allegations against Jim Nielsen.

I have worked in the Oxnard Union High School District for 22 years and have worked with some outstanding administrators, including Mr. Nielsen. As a counselor, I was under his direct supervision for three years when he was assistant principal at Rio Mesa High School.

I always found Mr. Nielsen to be professional, fair and ethical. He is hard-working, well-respected and deserves our total support.

REBECCA BUETTNER

Counselor

Rio Mesa High School