Your Opinion: Public school leadership called "inept'

Dear Editor:

Your Jan. 14 story, "Poll: Views of school projects apathetic, indecisive" described public reaction to proposed building projects in the Jefferson City School District (JCPS). Those opposing the projects fell into several camps: those who cannot afford it; those who do not see the need; and those who have other concerns.

Of those giving surveyors a reason to oppose a tax increase on the April 7 ballot, some said they don't trust the district with their money. Other survey comments cited lack of support for district leadership. The total results were reported to suggest "turmoil in governance and administration" of the school district.

In plainer words, the school board as a body has failed to do its job for this community. That has been established through both its actions: spending over $1 million to renovate administrative offices while students and teachers are in overcrowded and unhealthy buildings; rewarding the superintendent with $10,000 raises annually while experienced teachers are leaving in droves; and in actions, such as not meeting its responsibility to provide oversight for the district.

The board had to be reminded by a member of the public that visually impaired students at East Elementary School are being taught in an electrical closet (in violation of fire codes as cited during an inspection in August 2014). The board is and has been aware of dangerous overcrowding and refuses to consider real short-term solutions such as trailers for proper instruction until new facilities can be built.

The board is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of JCPS. It is the board that stands in the way of this community passing a bond issue to build the schools necessary to accommodate the students, therefore the board should take a good hard look at itself in the mirror.

If the board members see what I see, there should be a mass resignation of the board members who have been there three, five and 10 years or more as well as the senior administrative staff. They are all part of the problem and hindering a solution. They should make room for those capable of the much needed leadership at JCPS. We can't tolerate inept leadership any longer, not when our children's safety and education is at risk.