BELLVILLE — Clear Fork school board members received a critical “open letter” during the May 11 meeting. The letter, presented by an attorney on behalf of the Clear Fork Valley Education Association AFT/OFT Local 4109, asserted the board has overstepped its “role of oversight into the realm of management.”
The public letter presented by attorney Bryan Barnard said board members have created “an atmosphere of uneasiness, distrust, division and negativity throughout the district.” Citing policies for board operation and duties, the letter suggests the board has undermined the “daily business and operations of the schools” through “micromanagement practices.”
Response to the letter by board members was limited. Board president Jim DeSanto made a statement on behalf of the board saying he believes the board is “committed to providing an excellent working environment.”
Other complaints referred to board communications. Section “GBD” of the board policy manual states, “all official communications, policies and directives of staff interest and concern are communicated to staff members through the Superintendent.” The open letter referenced that policy and suggested board members directly questioned “parents, teachers, and administrators” in violation of their own policy.
Further, board members are accused of decision making “based on improper influence” and “biased information, hearsay, and social media posts.” The letter is expected be made available with the meeting minutes on the district website in the near future.
Brian Constance, co-president of the CFVEA said the teachers “chose to present their year-long concerns collectively through the letter.” He believes there has “been a disconnection” over the way things have been handled.
“It was a call to action and request for the board’s cooperation in resolution,” Constance said. “Teachers are committed to working together with the board and administration (to resolve their concerns.)”
While signaling their desire to open a dialogue with the board about the concerns, the CFVEA says it wants the board to “stop its micromanaging,” Constance said.
Tensions increased after last month’s handling of a contract renewal for a supplemental coaching position by the school board. During an interview, High School Principal Brian Brown observed that “anxiety and frustration” have been “spilling over” in recent weeks.
The next step in the conflict is unclear as the CFVEA awaits a response from board members.
DeSanto said the board is taking time to digest the letter. He said it would be “beneficial to have additional discussion with administrators and staff in the near future.”
DeSanto admitted this is a “temporary setback” in the district but points to what he believes are the positives for Clear Fork. Among the benefits he cited is new curriculum on its way to the district for the first time in over a decade.
Probably the most noticeable activity in the district will be two new elementary school buildings. Site preparation is expected to begin this summer. Currently, community members are weighing in on their choice for the exterior color scheme.
Superintendent Janice Wyckoff said she has met with Butler Alumni and a local senior citizens gathering held at the school to discuss the future buildings.
Entering this conflict will be a new board member to be appointed in coming weeks. This follows the resignation of Jason Snyder after six years of service as a board member.
