To the editor:

In November, I had the opportunity to interview Ruth Brophy, the health director for the Pentucket Regional School District, in order to complete an assignment for a college course as part of my studies toward a degree in health education.

As a Pentucket graduate, I am absolutely appalled that there is talk within the Pentucket Regional School District about cutting Health Director Ruth Brophy's job in an attempt to save the district money.

I understand that the district needs to meet a budget, but Mrs. Brophy performs one of the most important jobs in the district. She oversees all parts of what is a Coordinated School Health Program. This encompasses much more than just health class. Brophy's role also includes working with or supervising faculty in physical education, food services, school health services, nursing and health promotion for staff members, among other things. Recently, she has helped spearhead the Wellness Task Force. This task force, made up of community members, parents, police officers and Pentucket faculty, are identifying health issues within the Pentucket district. Using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, they are looking at how to reduce the health risks that Pentucket students face every day of their lives, in and out of school.

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