Regarding Superintendent Mario Contini's Jan. 15 column ("These are the times that try men's souls"), Thomas Paine also said, "The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason."

While these certainly are trying times and we are, indeed, in a major economic crisis, unfortunately, Mr. Contini still recites like a mantra that demographics alone are responsible for the state of Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD). This is where reason must be employed.

If demographics alone were responsible, we would expect to see declining enrollment at local private schools. If financial trends alone were the culprit, we would also expect to see a general retrenchment at those same private schools.

Yet, Oaks Christian's enrollment continues to increase and the construction of its middle school also continues.

What about that, Mario?

No, reason would therefore dictate that other forces must be at work. This community in sufficient numbers realizes that despite the nonstop, selfcongratulatory efforts of CVUSD and Mario Contini there was enough wrong to warrant the removal of their children from this district and place them in an expensive private setting. They grew weary of the poor quality education and nonsensical process of the district.

I do agree that it is time to make some tough decisions and test our character. Let's start with those at the top. How about you eliminate those teachers at the high school level who are more concerned with coaching than teaching and just pass kids through the system?

Also, if the system of how products and services were purchased by the district was also overhauled so that a true, competitive bidding process took place and cozy personal relationships were taken out of the equation, there could potentially be more dollars saved.

The test has begun, Mr. Contini and Mr. Paine, along with the community, is waiting to see if you can apply some reason. Paul S. Kessler Thousand Oaks