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Parents and Village Elementary staff clash publicly over PTO transparency and school climate
Summary
Several Village Elementary parents and staff spoke during public comment about a breakdown in relations between the school's PTO and building leadership. Speakers alleged lack of financial transparency and exclusionary behavior from the PTO; Village staff and other parents defended school leadership and praised improvements.
Multiple Village Elementary parents and staff used the board's public‑comment period on Sept. 15 to air sharply divergent views about the school’s Parent‑Teacher Organization and building climate.
Parents including Kimberly Thompson, Melissa Wade and Brianne Naudi described strained relations between some PTO leaders and other parents, citing concerns about transparency, minutes and financial reporting. Naudi, a former PTO board member, urged the board to review the PTO’s operations and consider options to ensure the PTO acts in the school community’s interest; she cited missing meeting minutes for 2025, an uncommunicated bylaw amendment altering board terms, and requests for financial disclosure that she said were not met.
Melissa Wade, who identified herself as a former Village PTO president, said parents have asked where PTO funds are kept and how donations are spent; she asked building leadership to support clearer communication. Kimberly Thompson said her children’s experiences improved after leaving the Village building and urged resolution of PTO‑staff conflicts for the sake of students.
Village Elementary staff — represented in a written and oral statement read by a staff speaker — defended the school's leadership and described an improving, data‑driven instructional environment. The staff letter listed school programs such as monthly "village victory circles," student recognition efforts, intervention trackers and targeted small‑group instruction; staff said student test scores are improving and that "school of choice" families continue to enroll at Village. The staff requested board support in ensuring a welcoming and collaborative PTO that aligns with the school's instructional priorities.
Superintendent Chuck Hughes and principals were not asked to vote; trustees did not take a board action at the meeting but were urged by commenters to investigate PTO transparency and governance. Melissa Wade asked the superintendent why a relationship with the PTO was paused and said she was still awaiting answers from administration. Brianne Naudi requested a formal board review of the PTO and asked administration to consider options to restore parent trust.
Ending: Trustees acknowledged the comments and said the board and administration would review the concerns and consider next steps. Administrators and the board will determine whether follow‑up is needed in policy, oversight, or administrative support for the Village PTO.
