Students, parents need more people like Hoff

Re: “Hoff’s actions are hypocritical” (Oct. 26 Forum). I’m a substitute in the Federal Way Public Schools district, with one child still in school –– a junior in high school. I met School Board member Charles Hoff last summer. We got into a discussion about college and scholarships. He invited my daughter and me to one of his monthly meetings that help parents and students begin the extremely confusing and arduous steps to getting the student admitted to the college of their choice with the maximum amount of financial help. Without Mr. Hoff’s suggestions, we wouldn’t have even thought about contacting colleges until next year.

There is no charge. He just wants to help in an area in which he has expertise.

In this time of technology, it is harder to do really well without a college education. Not impossible, as is shown by board member Tom Madden. In my opinion, the board members showed that they are broad minded –– not hypocritical –– when they appointed someone without a degree from a university.

Life experience and education that we adults acquire as we learn new jobs should be taken into consideration. The point is that without the college degree, it usually takes a young person much longer to have a successful career, if they don’t first become mired down by everyday life.

The letter writer queries the “real agenda” of Charles Hoff. From my observations in several meetings and long conversations with him, one thing has become crystal clear: Mr. Hoff wants the best for our high school graduates. So, yes, he does stress the importance of going to and finishing college. This is a great pathway for our students to succeed at maximizing their potential.

I find it admirable that, in addition to all the duties of being on the school Board, Mr. Hoff takes so much time to help struggling parents wind through the maze of colleges and how to make an impact with them. We need more people like Charles Hoff.

Dale Thomas

Federal Way

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