Summary Version (Longer Version Below)
I started this page in January 2023, after witnessing the disturbing Jan 5th Board of Ed meeting, when a new Board majority, under the leadership of Judy Sullivan, walked in numerous motions to remove power from the Superintendent and override his recommendations.
In a January 9 letter to the Board of Ed, I said: "I am extremely concerned that the actions of this Board on January 5th showed a contempt for the role and expertise of the Superintendent and seemed designed to push him out." Since then, I have repeatedly cautioned to all who would listen, "Disrespect and Micromanagement will drive out talented administration."
Recap where our district is today:
Superintendent resigned
Business Administrator resigned
Two legal counsels gone (one terminated and one quit our district citing weaponization of legal advice)
HIB recommendations overturned
Hiring recommendations overturned
400% increase in legal fees
For the longer version of the last nine months see below
Tom Bogdansky's statement at the October 16th Board meeting recaps it pretty well. (You can also find a transcript of his statements below)
The actions and decisions of this majority board over the past 9 months have had far-reaching consequences not just for the staff and administration, but for the students and the broader community. I remain hopeful that with increased awareness and community involvement, we can return the focus to the true purpose of our educational system: providing the best possible learning environment for our children.
The upcoming election is critical.
Audrey Souders, Melisssa Kiel and Jared Geist are aligned with and supported by the disruptors.
Vivian King, Amy Eilert, and Brian DeLaite trust our teachers and administrators, exercise fiscal prudence and responsibility, and represent stability for our district. They have my wholehearted endorsement.
Long Version Below
Over the last 9 months, here are just a few of the disruptive changes our district has seen, many of which have directly impacted our students, the very individuals who should be at the heart of every decision made by the Board of Education. Sadly, it appears that for some board members (Judy Sullivan, Kim Ansh, Marianna Emmolo, Doreen Mariani and until recently Tom Bogdansky), personal agendas have overshadowed the district's primary goal: to foster a nurturing and effective learning environment for all students.
1. Ignoring Professional Advice on HIB Cases: The board's decision to overrule expert recommendations on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) not only puts the safety of our students at risk but also casts doubt on the board's commitment to student welfare.
2. Undermining Transparency and Democracy: Alarmingly, Judy Sullivan, alongside certain board members, has engaged in actions that diminish transparency. This includes manipulating meeting procedures, manipulating board meeting minutes, limiting open discussions, suppressing differing viewpoints (including not allowing administration and legal counsel to answer board members’ questions), weaponizing legal advice and attorney client privilege, unilaterally making committee assignments and causing changes to long standing district practices with respect to OPRA requests for public information. Looked at together these many of these actions effectively muzzle board members who seek clarity or voice concerns, and illegally hiding information from the public.
3. Misleading Narratives: The propagation of misleading narratives by some board members and their supporters has fueled discord. This divisive atmosphere is exacerbated by certain community and board members who resort to aggressive tactics in board meeting and on social platforms, stifling genuine dialogue and even resorting to unlawful actions, including defamation, distribution of false fliers/mailers and the filing of false criminal charges with police and prosecutors.
4. Impact on District Reputation: Our district's once-stellar reputation has suffered. This not only deters top educators from joining us but can also affect property values and community morale in the long run.
5. Alienating the Community: Under Judy Sullivan’s leadership, many of the Board's actions seem to consider only a segment of our community, sidelining many concerned parents and stakeholders. The palpable tension is evident in the high attendance and vocal disapproval at public meetings and on social media.
6. Neglecting Mental Health: Astonishingly, the board chose to reject pivotal mental health programs. This decision was not only short-sighted but also neglects the pressing mental health challenges our students grapple with.
Transcript of what Tom Bogdansky said at the October 16, 2023 Meeting
I take this board position seriously and what I've witnessed over the past several months has really affected me in a very negative way. As I sit here today, I know I can say that I've learned a lot, have grown and feel more confident since my term began in January. I'm made mistakes and I apologize. I am able to step back and see things in a very different light today. Many things have unfolded in the past few months, although I appreciate each board member in different capacities, I do resent the way I was misguided, misled, manipulated from day one by a person who believes she mentored me [Judy Sullivan], by a person who is supposed to bring board members together, [Judy Sullivan], by a person who should put personal agendas aside and do what is best for our students [Judy Sullivan]. On September 11th, a motion to remove Miss Sullivan as president was put on the table. As I sat and watched the two-hour Fiasco, I knew that removing Miss Sullivan as president would not make things better but in fact it would cause more problems. We would have to deal with the trial the very next day. Not only would we have more legal fees, but we would also lose the focus and time we need to search for a permanent Business Administrator and Superintendent. Our Board of Ed has been a disgrace. We have made very harmful decisions based on personal agendas. We have spent these months doing more harm than good and it will take us a long time to repair the damage that's been done. I'm looking forward to new leadership. New leadership come January. A leader that will bring the next board together so we can focus on the students. Now keep in mind 10 months, two law firms gone, Business Administrator gone, Superintendent gone. What have we done for the students. It's time we wake up and do the right thing. Thank you.