Herb Fischer Retires

Hardy Brown

He had high expectations of substitute teachers in his classroom as a teacher. He used his skill and knowledge as a horticulturist to bring the best out of students whom others had given up hope. When he was promoted to a principalship in Muscoy, one of the poorest sections of the district, his high expectations elevated attendance, parent participation and test scores.

When I was elected to the school board and we wanted to turn San Bernardino High around, yes, we called on Herb Fischer for the job. Many experts said it was wrong to place an elementary educator into a high school setting. Well when this man with a tall physical statue stepped on campus the kids had to look up to him. He immediately took charge and allowed ministers to visit on campus. He called meetings with staff and laid out his mission and changed the school motto to "The Very Best" and listen to staff and students. Not only did attendance improve, grades went upward, dropout rates went down but student conflicts declined.

Of course when we expanded the superintendent administrative staff the first one to get the nod to help coordinate the many student services was Herb.

Dr. Herb Fischer

One of the saddest days but yet the happiest days while serving on the school board with Herb was when I encouraged him to take the superintendent position in Colton. I remember telling the Colton board members Ray Abril and Phyllis Zimmerman, "if you are serious about improving your district then Herb is your man." Ray said, "Hardy you would not be jiving me because Colton is an old set in it ways district with a heavy Hispanic culture." I restated to Ray that Herb is your man. Ask Ray who has been the best superintendent in that district.

Needless to say when he decided to seek the top spot in education as County Superintendent, I had no hesitation in endorsing him. Those same qualities that propelled him in the past helped propel the county into respectability throughout the state of California.

Well I felt the same sadness and joy on getting the news that he has decided to retire but we are from the same generation so I understand and know that whatever he and Cheryl decide to do their family, community and God will be priority one. Congratulations friend on a "Wonderful Life" in serving our kids, parents and making us a better people by teaching us to have dreams because dreams do come true.

Nelson Mandela has been removed from America's Terrorism Watch List

President George Bush signed into law H. R. 5690 this past week, a law authorizing the U.S. Department of State to waive U.S. travel restriction on President Nelson Mandela and other members of the African National Congress. Now mind you Mandela has been released from prison, elected president of South Africa, retired, traveled to the U. S. many times and just celebrated his 90th birthday with a 100,000 star studded audience while being on our terrorist list of people to fear. A list he should never been placed on.

This is a blatant example of how a government can ruin a person's life just because you criticize the policies of those in charge. The United States took this action against Mandela when he was fighting apartheid in South Africa his native land. Mandela was doing what any good citizen should do when faced with a corrupt, oppressive and racist government, but, because they said Mandela was a terrorist the U. S. treated him as such.

We should be ashamed of ourselves but this is why some of our citizens do not believe the current administrations actions of who is our enemy. After 911 the atmosphere was if you questioned the administration you were labeled unpatriotic. In order to maintain a free society people must feel free to express a different opinion or point of view with their rationale in support of that opinion.

Nelson Mandela

As we celebrate this Fourth of July let us remember the freedom we have while reflecting on how we treat our fellow citizens regardless on color, race or creed. And to Nelson Mandela happy birthday and you are now free to fly the skies of America.