January 26, 2012
Members of the Mammoth Lakes Community:
For the past two weeks, I have turned to you to ask for support and understanding. Now, I must turn to you once again.
Yesterday, you likely heard through the media that Dr. Bourne passed away. I do not have details on his passing, and the purpose of this letter is not to provide information on this tragic situation. Rather, I am writing to, once again, engage your full compassion for those whose lives are shattered by this news. I ask that we share compassion for the wife and children survived by Dr. Bourne. They are now most in need of our compassion.
I came to Mammoth Lakes less than two years ago, and in this relatively short time I have seen the kind and selfless nature of our school district employees and the people who create this community. I am grateful to see that you rise above gossip and innuendo to concentrate on the needs of our neighbors, especially our children. Thank you.
Death can present children of all ages with a great need to express worries, fears or questions, so at this time, the District has engaged augmented counseling and support services for the students across all grades. A special thanks to these professionals for swiftly moving in to a position of support. And, I know that everyone at our schools will continue to keep thoughtful eyes on all of our children.
I hope that you will join me in offering the Bourne family, and all the lives impacted by this deeply unfortunate situation, the respect, privacy and support that they will rely upon from our school community.
Respectfully yours,
Rich Boccia
Superintendent of Schools