Bentley Elementary parents express concerns over principal's treatment of teachers

The P-CCS Board of Education Regular Meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding staff treatment and curriculum changes within the district. Veteran teacher, who has served since 1986, expressed distress over being reassigned to teach kindergarten without adequate preparation or materials. She raised issues of age discrimination, noting that her experience and dedication were overlooked in favor of younger teachers. This teacher emphasized the emotional and physical toll such decisions have on long-serving educators, stating, "We are your crown jewels," and called for a solution to the ongoing challenges faced by experienced staff.

Another poignant moment came from a parent of students at Bentley Elementary, who read a letter detailing the negative impact of the new principal's leadership on both teachers and students. The letter described a troubling environment characterized by verbal abuse and intimidation, leading to the early retirement of seasoned educators. The parent expressed concern over the lack of certified teachers in classrooms and questioned the principal's ability to foster a supportive atmosphere for both staff and students.

The meeting concluded with a call for administrative reports and recommendations, but the emotional testimonies from both the teacher and the parent underscored a pressing need for the board to address the morale and treatment of educators in the district. The discussions reflect broader issues of staff retention and the importance of a respectful and supportive educational environment for both teachers and students.