To the editor: I have never been ashamed to say I am from West Milford, until I read about the absolutely appalling actions of the school district in not renewing the contract of West Milford High teacher Cheryl Bachmann. When I started teaching about four years ago, it was exactly the safe, supporting classroom environment that I experienced as a West Milford High student that I set out to create in my classroom. It is because of my teachers Mr. Cosgrove, Mrs. Valentine, Mr. Sheremeta, Mr. Bialkin, Mr. Porcello and so many more that I had the knowledge, confidence and encouragement to be whatever I wanted to be when I grew up. What I realized is that I wanted to have the same impact on others’ lives as they did on mine and thus I became a teacher as well. It is abundantly clear in the actions and words of the hundreds of students who have come out to support Ms. Bachmann that she is having that sort of impact on her students, and she should be rewarded for it, not be in effect fired. As for the incidents in question, if the superintendent has such brilliant ideas about classroom management, I would love to hear what the proper responses should have been. I, for one, would have done exactly the same thing Ms. Bachmann did. The school board must overturn the administration’s decision and renew Ms. Bachmann’s contract. If they don’t, they are sending a clear message to the students that hatred and intolerance are acceptable in the classroom. They will also be silencing and undoing much of the good Ms. Bachmann has clearly done in reaching out to students that feel disenfranchised. How many future teachers and leaders will we lose when these students learn that doing what’s right and making a positive impact in young people’s lives will only get you fired? I hope that’s a lesson they never have to learn. Thomas DeRosa McAllen, TX