When a skunk raids the chicken coop, it does no good to lament the skunk’s nature or ask that he return his prize. It is time to deal with the hired hand who left the door ajar and look to the future of the farm. Gary Toothaker is gone along with our money and public trust in the Mukilteo School Board. We need to consider what to do now.
It is board actions that have angered district patrons. They extended Toothaker’s contract in May for the unnecessarily long period of three years; other district employees receive only one-year contracts. Then, due to Toothaker’s “personal and professional” changes, the board decided not to allow him to remain as superintendent. Toothaker was awarded the equivalent of 10 teacher’s salaries to leave. The long-term contract the board had eagerly signed did not cover matters now deemed vital.
Concerns over misuse of district funds prompted board statements that it would not affect students’ education. If true, it can only mean that money was originally budgeted for non-education expenses. The board cannot have it both ways: either admit to allocating funds for uses which are not important to the children’s learning, or agree that education will suffer due to the loss incurred to buy out Toothaker’s contract.
Given the board’s actions, it is no wonder that citizens are saying, “I will never vote for another school levy.” The people of Mukilteo are willing to pay for quality education, but will not abide wasting that money. If we are to maintain excellence in our schools, public confidence must be regained. Those responsible must accept the consequences of their errors and resign their positions for the good of the district. We cannot entrust our remaining chickens to the same errant hired hands.
Mukilteo
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