Us against them fostered in district

"Us against them" fostered in district
Cathie Vaught, Marshall
as published in the Marshall Chronicle Saturday, July 12, 2008

You are probably aware that I am no longer employed by Marshall Public Schools. It has come to my attention that there is a perception that I left MPS because I anted a "year round" position. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am heartbroken that I had to leave MPS.
The reason that I felt compelled to seek another job and express my personal opinions in this letter is only because of the appallingly poor leadership and treatment of my family and other staff and their families.
The district has pursued policies that abjectly favor the "us against them" mentality; protecting "yes men" while outsourcing anyone who has questioned the leadership and its policies.
You, as our elected, or in many cases "unopposed" elected leaders have dropped the ball for your electorate. You vigorously resist change and challenges to that leader to the detriment of the district she leads.
It is apparent that this administration's vision has lacked the ability to maintain effective or positive leadership with the employees and students of this district.
The superintendent and some of her direct administrative colleagues seem uncaring and unkind. They seem to have ignored and discounted the needs, wants, and wishes of most members of the Marshall teaching community, especially subordinates.
Past policies and practices in regard to hiring, discipline and budget expenditures have been thrown out the window with total impunity and this has been allowed by you, the school board.
I do need to say that I have been very impressed and encouraged with the newer member of the board; John Coulter, Ali Webb and, in the end, Chris Varvatos who have actually had the guts to ask questions. The other members of this administration's "rubber stamp committee" are an embarrassment to the Marshall community.
I find it amazing that a community such as Marshall can polarize itself for the "Redskin Issue,"but can't polarize itself for what I feel is the most destructive administration yet to hit Marshall Public Schools.
The harm that has been done to the teaching and support staff can be clearly observed by the psychological and, ultimately, physical ramifications that have occured to countless hard working people in the recent past.
Even many of our Marshall students have commented to me on their dissatisfaction with this administration. This is not, as some board members like to rationalize, a "small group of disgruntled employees."
This is a reality that is swept under the rug.
I know, because I was one of the people who suffered from this fear and have witnessed countless other teachers and employees who cannot speak out in fear of losing their jobs or their self respect. I am speaking for them!
I, and many of my neighbors, will not support a bond issue, at least for one more year, until the present administration has been replaced.
As a recent employee, I have seen in my opinion, what the public hasn't: A monumental waste of funds that we previously approved for the much needed improvement of our schools. I cannot, in good conscience support another waste of funds. I will be happy to support any bond issues after this year is over and a more honest and straightforward leadership prevails.
Marshall has a real opportunity to use their schools to draw in new members to our community. Larger class sizes, fewer college prep classes and continuously patching up our old school buildings is not the vision that we as parents and taxpayers should support.
There appears to be a pattern in Marshall Public Schools that can no loner be ignored: Award winning teachers, administrators and staff members that are honest, straightforward and are independent thinkers appear to be repeatedly singled out until they leave, retire before they are ready or worse. Who will be next on the list?
To the superintendent and also to her direct subordinates and those members of the Marshall School Board who have contributed to this situation I say shame on you! Again these thoughts are my own opinion. Please feel free to contact me regarding any portion of this letter.
Sincerely but sadly yours,
Cahtie Vaught,
Marshall