Comments: Until 2003, under the leadership of Tom Tunny, this school was in good spirit despite the anxious political situation. Under his successor, Bernie Mitchell, things have deteriorated dramatically. Staff workloads have been markedly increased; staff development money has been channeled into other areas, and faculty have had to adjust to a management style which is entirely autocratic (for which read tyrannical). Unfortunately, the board seems completely happy with this state of affairs – although there are signs of discontent felt by many parents and this may in the long term have an effect on the current situation.

In the meantime, a climate of fear pervades the school. Unreasonable financial penalties have been levied on staff members; faculty contracts have been abruptly terminated for inadequately explained reasons. Discussion, and especially questioning, is taken as a personal attack and responded to in kind. The body charged with representing faculty opinion to the superintendent (and, in better times, to the board) has been told that it has no such function, and reduced to running social functions.

Lahore is, by Pakistani standards, a relaxed city, with a range of restaurants and a selection of clubs – including a very pleasant International Club. It is a city which prides itself on its culture and its cuisine, and the local people are relatively out going and prepared to allow foreigners to enter their society. The border crossing into India is very close, and weekend (or longer) trips are feasible. Longer tours, both within Pakistan and in India or Sri Lanka, are good holiday options. However, unless you are prepared to live in a climate of fear, or become a complete doormat, the good pay and conditions are simply not worth the risks involved in working at this school. Bear in mind that getting on the wrong side of this ignorant and arrogant man may mean more than just losing this job; he has the power to damage your career. Avoid this school until this superintendent – and, probably, this board – have been replaced.

Comments: I worked at the Lahore American School form 1999 –20001. Lahore is an extraordinarily fascinating city with a large variety of things to do and see. The food is good and cheap, parks are plentiful and the locals are very warm and welcoming to Americans. During the years I was there I never once encountered even the slightest animosity towards Westerners. Travel opportunities abound. India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Dubai are just a short flight away. In addition, Karachi and Islamabad are within easy reach. Within the city of Lahore the “Old City” is a step back in time with oxen-pulled carts and thousand of small shops and concessions lining the cobble stone streets. Restaurants and food stands are plentiful and the local dress is colorful. You definitely know you aren’t in Kansas when you’re in the “Old City”.

The school offers housing as part of the contract. Pakistanis normally have large families and it is not unusual to find three generations living together under the same roof. Houses are large, usually two stories, with a number of bedrooms. Our house had a small garden, a nice lawn, five bedrooms, four bathroom and a patio and three balconies. A cook costs about $90 a month as does a full time driver. A house cleaner averages about $60 a month. Food is inexpensive. You can live very well in Lahore and still save half your salary each month.

The school itself is a terrific facility with a large, modern auditorium, playing filed, Olympic pool, and covered playing area. There is a separate elementary, middle school and high school facility. The student body is made up of at least 95% host national boys. A very small number of girls attend the school and it is not unusual to have a class with all boys except for one or two girls. If you are looking for a truly international school with a large variety of nationalities represented this is not the school. On the other hand, teaching mostly host national kids gives you a real look at the local culture. You’ll find the kids polite and there is lots of parental support. You’ll find yourself invited to endless parties, weddings and other social events. As a foreigner you’ll be an honored guest. At least once a week one of our neighbors would knock at our door with a local dish for us to try. The people are very hospitable and will tell you it is part of there religion to welcome you into their country and look after you. I was there during 911 and although I never felt an inch of danger the government stationed armed guards in front of the houses of foreigners living in Lahore. A very nice gesture but not really necessary.

Tom Tunny was the director at the time. He is a concerned person that looks after his staff. He honored the schools contract to the letter and I never felt that I had to worry about the school taking advantage of me in any way. In most cases I received more than I thought I had coming to me. Mr. Tunny was actively involved in the curriculum and educational standards of the school, while also dealing with the daily business of running a school. He always acted as a buffer between parental concerns and teachers and supported his teachers in every way possible. I don’t believe he is the director there at this time but would imagine that the board, which also treated the teachers properly, would hire a similar personality to run the school. Given the opportunity I would return to Lahore to work.

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