At the most recent School Board meeting, a citizen raised concerns about working conditions at Riverbend High School. While I cannot speak to the accuracy of those statements, the implications were serious—suggesting that experienced educators are being asked to take on additional responsibilities to compensate for less experienced colleagues.
To me there is a clear difference between mentorship and collaboration, and doing someone else’s job. If our most skilled educators are continually overburdened, we risk losing them—something no school division can afford. These concerns deserve further review and open discussion by the School Board.
While I firmly believe that the superintendent and central office staff are responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of our schools, the School Board has a critical oversight role. It cannot simply act as a rubber stamp, nor can it defer every issue to the superintendent. When legitimate concerns are raised—especially those affecting teacher morale, workload, and ultimately student success—the Board has a duty to facilitate discussion and seek solutions in collaboration with the community.
I understand that some may argue these matters are personnel-related and should only be addressed in closed session or at the school level. I respectfully disagree. I believe that by using non-attributable survey data and discussing general staff trends, we can engage the public in a way that maintains confidentiality while also encouraging meaningful input from all stakeholders.
This approach would allow us to understand root causes, identify challenges, and develop lasting solutions—not in isolation, but in partnership with the community. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I bring nearly a decade of experience providing direction and oversight on various boards and committees. That experience has taught me how to navigate complex issues, protect sensitive information, and still promote transparency and accountability.
Ultimately, this kind of leadership is essential. It’s how we ensure that SCPS is not only a great place to work, but a place where every student has access to a high-quality education.