By Cynthia Glunt / Herald Forum
I am writing with deep concern for the Stanwood-Camano School District and its leadership.
My daughter attended school here for just one term before we had to transfer her elsewhere because of unaddressed bullying. This was before the arrival of Superintendent Deborah Rumbaugh, and her appointment gave me hope for positive change. Unfortunately, it’s become clear that the actions and priorities of the school board have made real improvement impossible (“’Very hostile work environment’: Stanwood-Camano school supe resigns,” The Herald, Nov. 8)
Over the past year, I’ve attended several board meetings, hoping to see leaders put students first. Instead, I have seen some board members come unprepared, fixated on their own agendas, and disregard the voices of students and educators alike. The board has fostered a divisive environment that is trickling down to harm the very children they are supposed to serve.
Their behavior sends a troubling message to our students, teaching them that disrespect and chaos are acceptable. We cannot allow this toxic culture to define our schools.
Our children deserve leaders who stand for integrity, transparency and respect. To bring meaningful change to our district, I am urging community members to join me in calling for new leadership. It’s time for Al Schreiber to step down as board president. The divisive culture that has emerged under his leadership is costing our district valued staff and resources that should be focused on creating a safe and nurturing environment for our children.
We must also be more vigilant in future elections, selecting individuals who genuinely prioritize the best interests of our students. The role of school board members is too vital to be driven by personal agendas; it requires leaders who care deeply about education and the well-being of every child.
Let’s work together to restore trust and stability within the Stanwood-Camano School District. For the sake of our students, it’s time for the board to shift its focus back to them. Mr. Schreiber, please step down so that our district can move forward with leaders who put our children first.
Cynthia Glunt lives in Stanwood.
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