What a shame it is to see the Marysville community embroiled in yet another front-page controversy. The Marysville School District Board of Directors and Superintendent Linda Whitehead received a vote of no-confidence from teachers, and well they should. The cause of the school district’s problems are in its lack of communication with its constituents and the right of the community to participate in decision-making.
When the prior superintendent left last year, it would have been prudent, courteous and just plain good public relations to have the community assist in the hiring of a replacement. A task force of teachers, administrators and citizens could have evaluated the needs of the district and sought an administrator who could lead with the support of the community.
Instead, the board voted to promote Ms. Whitehead without consulting anyone. Thus, from her first day of appointment, Ms. Whitehead’s tenure did nothing to inspire confidence in the community, which was never made part of the hiring process.
Citizens and staff have made efforts to be heard by the board and the superintendent, but have been limited to three minutes at board meetings. Problems cannot be investigated or resolved in these circumstances. Where are the public forums where concerns can be addressed, and without limits as to the subject matter discussed?
If, as Ms. Whitehead states, we should be looking at test scores rather than focusing on her leadership of the district, then let us recognize that the entire community is responsible for that achievement. It takes parents, teachers, students and administrators to help students learn and succeed. The Marysville School Board and Ms. Whitehead need to listen to all members of the community, and let them be a part of the process of defining what the district needs to do and who should lead it.
Arlington
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