Public commenter criticizes Anderson 5 school performance and superintendent; trustees respond

During the public‑comment portion of the meeting, a resident, identified in the record as Frank Kellen, sharply criticized the district’s state report card results, asserted that a majority of district schools had lower grades than the prior year, and accused the board and administrators of misprioritizing spending.

Kellen said he reviewed the published grades and told trustees that of 17 graded schools in the district, nine declined in grade and that only 59% of schools were rated good or excellent. He contrasted Anderson 5 with other county districts and criticized spending on items such as athletic facilities and downtown offices while alleging the superintendent’s pay and bonuses were excessive. Kellen closed by urging accountability.

Board trustees responded directly in the public session. Trustees said some prior decisions predated the current board; the superintendent and trustees noted the district would engage parents and focus on supports to help students perform well on tests. The superintendent said she and staff would look into the matters raised and report back, and trustees requested staff follow up on specific budget and staffing details raised during the comments.