Letter: Board members need to be better informed

Updated: September 17, 2012 6:06AM

I am writing this letter about the retirement of District 109’s superintendent this year. It is unfair for the current board to rush to select a new superintendent and possibly use the same consulting firm that hired our current superintendent. The events of  the past year showed that the current board members are very removed from what is going on in our schools. Through many hours of parent participation at board meetings regarding issues, including but not limited to special education, the board still remains unaware nor have they addressed the issues with a plan of action that is measurable and realistic. Board members themselves tell parents and community members that their information comes from Dr. Goier and unless community members approach them with issues they remain unaware that they exist. Obviously when every teacher but two in the district votes to authorize a strike there is a serious problem with the current administration. Many members of the community would like the board to slow down and consider including potential new board members in the selection of the superintendent. At the time of the July meeting board meeting some parents were told that potential board members could be involved in the process. Of course that will not happen because they cannot have a vote and any parent or community member that has been involved in a committee or search for a new staff member knows exactly what this administration does with that information, absolutely nothing. Let’s not continue to waste people’s valuable time when you will not respect or take into account their opinions and viewpoint.

The petition that is circulating in Deerfield is to impact the process of searching for the new leadership in 109.  Collaborative leadership that is desperately needed in this community and long overdue. Contrary to what the board had stated there are many candidates out there and it is not necessary to secure a candidate by December. In good faith this community wants the board to listen to us. And the response is “we hear you, we hear you.” And our response to that is what action have you taken to show that you have heard us?

Katie Bittner

Deerfield

Show / Hide Comments