Apology Owed

Dear Editor,
    I am appalled that publisher Nick Barbaro resorted to name-calling and insinuations in his recent story on AISD trustees’ actions [“Public Notice: Speed 2, Trust 0,” News, Dec. 13]. When is it appropriate for a trusted journalism professional to call an employee of an organization “their lead hit man”? No effort was made by The Austin Chronicle to reach out to our organization to verify any information in the article.
    Yes, the Austin Chamber of Commerce supports the strongest academic school system possible, as evidenced by more than $20 million it has invested the past 15 years in tutoring. We also provide more than 300 Chamber volunteers each year to help all students graduating from high school complete their FAFSA in hopes of achieving their dreams of obtaining a postsecondary education that will lead them to jobs that will support their future families and provide a better quality of life. Additionally, more than $130 million in tuition assistance for low-income disadvantaged families has been secured through the Chamber-sponsored FAFSA Saturdays.
    Yes, the Chamber does support a modern education environment for all students, along with an equitable, quality education for all students.
    Yes, the Chamber donated $10,000 to the Austin Education Fund to help pay for what we encouraged was needed to have a clear, effective communications effort if the school board was to close schools.
    No, the Chamber was not in any way involved in identifying or advocating for any specific school closures.
    This is a time in our country that nastiness, name-calling and general divisiveness is at a level I have never experienced in my lifetime. We should all expect better from those the public depends upon to report accurate, unbiased news. Our employee is owed an apology.