Residents, teacher union and parents praise district staff and press board on respect and communication

Multiple residents and a teachers’ representative addressed the board during the public-comment period on June 23, offering praise for district staff and raising concerns about public remarks by a board member.

Kathleen O’Brien, president of the Derby National Education Association and a high-school science teacher, described a recent student trip to a Future Health Professionals competition in Nashville and urged patience as staff complete a district technology upgrade to a new software system known as "Q." O’Brien thanked Dennis Eligin and the district IT team for support during the transition and said many staff will need training over the summer.

Lou Anne Schaeff, a lifelong Derby resident and school volunteer, praised teachers’ dedication and urged the board to "recognize and appreciate all teachers for everything they do." Several other speakers, including Stacy Hanford and James Hanford, delivered extended remarks criticizing board member Michael Blankenship for comments made at prior meetings about teachers and for statements they said presumed to speak for absent colleagues. Stacy Hanford said she would not “stand by quietly” after what she described as disrespectful remarks and urged board members to take responsibility for their words.

Speakers asked the board to demonstrate respect for administrators, teachers and students and to avoid speaking on behalf of absent board members when discussing votes. The board did not take action during the public-comment period; speakers’ remarks were taken under advisement and noted by the board.