When I was in high school, my social studies teacher had his classes take part in an educational game called "Sunshine" that taught about the economic, social, and racial composition of our society. Each of us drew our racial, social, and employment-economic characteristics out of a jar. I am not able to recall exactly what role I played, and recently I realized: that was the point. It didn't really matter what our differences were. It mattered that as a group we succeeded; that as a group, we improved our lot together; and that in that group the actions of the one contributed to the benefit or detriment of the whole.

Now, as an adult, I know that that is true: we each need the other person to realize his or her potential in order for us all to succeed, to survive and to thrive.

That class was a long time ago, but the lessons still contribute to my world view today. The teacher who was able to give me and the rest of my classmates this invaluable lesson? Tim Mains, a man who values all aspects of education and all the people involved in it.

I have known Tim for many years, since his first day teaching at Arcadia High School. He is inclusive of all. For him, we are all diners at the same table. I have witnessed his wide-eyed idealism grow into an open-minded realistic optimism. His pedagogical philosophy is based on vision, innovation, compassion, kindness, and the conviction that everyone in our society is a necessary component of education.

He is willing to sacrifice for his students at School 50, right down to his hair, which was shaved off last year when the students met an academic challenge.

No, he has never been the superintendent of a school district, but he has been an exemplary teacher, counselor, and principal. The last few years in the school district my children attend have demonstrated that having former experience as a superintendent listed on one's resume does not ensure competency in that position.

With Tim Mains as the superintendent of the Rochester City School District, innovative education, excellence, and fairness are certain. With the experience of decades of service to education, and with passion and compassion, he will lead the district to become all it can be and each student to realize his or her full potential. It is my fervent hope that the Rochester School Board selects Tim Mains as superintendent.

TOBIE HEWITT, CHILI