Conduct requires Whitehead resign

I recently read all The Herald articles dating to April 22, pertaining to the covert surveillance device installed in Kay Powers’ classroom by the Everett School District administration. Taken together, these articles tell a story that falls somewhere between farce and tragedy.

The farce is the apparent incompetence of the administration in spying on its employees. If the district is to be believed (and it probably is not) the camera was installed in the wrong place. It was supposed to be in the hallway outside the classroom but somehow wound up inside it. Then, when delivered a tape, they somehow misplaced it. Incompetence and lack of organization is not a desirable combination of traits in people running large organizations that affect thousands.

The tragedy is the inability of Dr. Carol Whitehead to tell the truth when it is inconvenient to do so and a propensity to blame others when the truth might prove personally embarrassing. Her statements range from flat denial that any surveillance device had been used to the grudging admission that she had been “consulted” prior to the device’s installation. Missing from Dr. Whitehead’s statements is remorse for having lied, for having misled the public and her own attorney.

Dr. Whitehead’s actions and statements compose a body of egregiously unprofessional conduct. They are more like those of a child caught in lie than those expected of the leader of a large public organization. How can she have the moral authority necessary to lead, judge and discipline others when she lacks the character to be truthful when asked a simple question? If Dr. Whitehead has one iota of integrity left, she will tender her resignation. Failing that, the school board must demand it.

Carl M. Milner, Jr.