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Editor: 

With surprise I read Mr. Cecil's letter in yesterday's Berkeley Daily Planet, that as a career teacher of thirty five years I am being criticized and deemed responsible for implementing management's financial systems.  

I was not management. As a teacher in charge of instructing young people, I,as most teachers do, often dug into my own pocket to supplement an inadequate supplies and curriculum instructional budget.  

Having not been part of the Berkeley educational system for four years it is incomprehensible how I can be blamed for the current financial crises and also be held accountable for fixing it. Public education has woefully been underfunded for years and it is thanks to the voters of Berkeley and the Berkeley Education Foundation that we've been able to offer a richer educational program than most school districts.  

As a citizen of Berkeley since 1957, I do remember that Mr. Cecil has been a consistent opponent in the support of public education being against Berkeley Schools Excellence Program and Measure A which has rebuilt our schools in Berkeley, measures I have supported and will continue to support. Please vote today - we need a change on the Alameda County Board of Education.  

Jacki Fox Ruby 

Berkeley