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Service center employees describe hostile work environment and urge board to pause assistant superintendent confirmation
Summary
Multiple service center employees told the board that a recently rehired assistant superintendent of plant services created a hostile environment, alleging threats, excessive write-ups and use of a body camera; employees asked board members and HR to intervene.
Several employees who work at the Buffalo School Service Center urged the board to delay or block confirmation of the assistant superintendent for plant services, saying the unit's climate has become hostile since that administrator's rehiring.
"The work environment has become extremely hostile," said James Marenka, a 16-year service center employee. "Employees have been written up for very petty occurrences like scratching or denting work vans." Marenka said production has fallen and staff fear being targeted.
Elizabeth Shepherd, a journeyman electrician and apprenticeship instructor, said the supervisor's return coincided with immediate negative changes. "The climate there turned into threats and fear, with comments such as, 'I can get rid of anyone I want at any time,'" Shepherd said. She also said the supervisor wore a personal body camera and "baited people," creating a culture of fear.
Speakers said they had raised concerns with human resources but received little response. "I've written a letter of concern to human resources. I still have not received any response back," Shepherd said. Several speakers asked the board to contact HR and to consider withholding confirmation until complaints are fully investigated.
Nut graf: Employees described alleged write-ups, threats and lowered production metrics since the administrator returned; they urged board oversight and clearer investigation from HR before personnel confirmation proceeds.
Board response and next steps: The interim board president said the superintendent and board would follow up with human resources and the superintendent's office and that those concerns would be noted on the public record. Several employees asked for a direct point of contact to continue the conversation.
Ending: Employees requested an independent review or targeted HR response and said they would be willing to meet with board members for further detail.
