PLEASE ALLOW TEACHERS TO KEEP CERTIFICATION

We were distressed to read of the conviction of teachers Brett and
Keri Johnson on marijuana charges and to hear that this may result in
the loss of their teacher certification and even their home. Whatever
they may do in the privacy of their own home, their professionalism at
Gull Lake High School cannot be questioned.

Hundreds of students have benefited from their teaching over the last
10 years. Our younger daughter, now a senior in college, regards Mr.
Johnson as one of her most influential teachers. The Johnsons stood up
for students who struggled to start a Gay-Straight Alliance at Gull
Lake, and they did everything in their power to create a positive,
accepting community.

What the motives of the person or persons who called the police may
have been we don't know, but surely there are more serious crimes in
our community that need this unusually vigorous investigation and
prosecution. We know the Johnsons to be the finest possible teachers,
role models and community members.

We urge the state of Michigan to maintain their teaching certification
and Kalamazoo County not to confiscate their home. We cannot afford to
lose our best teachers.

Pat and Bill Hanavan

Richland