Parents and teachers demand transparency and support from Central School District leaders

The Central School District 13J Board of Directors meeting on March 4, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding staff morale, leadership turnover, and the overall educational environment within the district. Multiple speakers, including teachers, parents, and community members, expressed their frustrations about the current state of the district, emphasizing a need for transparency and support for both educators and students.

One of the most poignant testimonies came from a teacher who described the emotional toll on staff, stating, "How can we meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students when our staff are in constant trauma?" This sentiment was echoed by several speakers who noted that the district's claims of being "trauma-informed" and practicing "restorative justice" were not reflected in the treatment of staff and administrators.

Barbara Harriman, a parent and former volunteer, called for greater transparency in the recruitment and hiring processes, pointing out that the district has seen a high turnover of principals and assistant principals under the same superintendent. She urged the board to support teachers and administrative staff, who she claimed are suffering and leaving the district, leading to a decline in educational quality.

Rob Harriman, also a parent, echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for the board to actively listen to community feedback regarding staffing decisions. He raised suspicions about the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for departing employees, suggesting a lack of accountability in leadership decisions.

Long-time educator Laurie Shemansky shared her heartbreak over the district's inability to retain strong leaders, stating, "We are coaching up these amazing teachers... and then when they do [become administrators], they're pushed out." She emphasized the importance of stability in leadership for the benefit of students and the community.

Students also voiced their concerns, with one high school student stressing the critical role of communication between staff and administration in fostering a positive school climate. Poor communication, she argued, leads to confusion and stress, ultimately affecting students' learning experiences.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to investigate the high turnover rates among administrators and to implement exit interviews to understand the reasons behind the departures. Community members expressed a desire for a more supportive and transparent environment that prioritizes the needs of both educators and students.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored a growing urgency for the Central School District 13J Board of Directors to address the systemic issues affecting staff morale and student achievement, with many community members urging immediate action to restore trust and stability within the district.