Parents and teachers press Oyster River board to replace superintendent after toxic climate findings

Dozens of residents filled the Moharimet Middle School gym on May 6 to press the Oyster River Coop School District board for swift leadership change after a teacher climate survey and other reporting, with repeated calls for the superintendent to resign or be terminated.

“Frustration with leadership doesn’t make anyone wrong,” Melissa Giannino said during the public-comment period, urging calm and collaboration, but many speakers were more direct. Catherine Michael told the board it must “facilitate the departure of this man,” and others framed their calls in terms of student safety and staff retention.

A parent of a child with special needs who identified only as Tracy described survey data she said showed deep staff concerns and warned that when special-education teachers fear retaliation they cannot advocate effectively for IEPs. “Our children can’t wait,” she said, urging the board to use contract provisions under Section 8(b)(1) to end the superintendent’s employment if he will not resign.

Multiple commenters cited a recent teachers’ guild survey and other local polls. “The data proves this is not just a vocal minority,” Colin Blake Butler said, calling for use of contract or legal options to secure an interim leader and “let the healing begin.” Several speakers referenced high percentages of staff expressing no confidence in district leadership.

School-board members acknowledged the intensity of community feeling but did not announce any immediate personnel actions at the meeting. Board Chair Heather Smith opened both public-comment blocks and later said the board would continue to engage with legal and administrative processes; the board also directed the administration on other staffing decisions during the same session.

Supporters of staff and long-serving teachers also spoke at the meeting. “These long-tenure teachers are a real testament to our legacy,” said Daniel Day, a district alum, who urged the board to consider the cost of prolonged conflict to programming and retention.

Several callers urged the board to weigh the financial and operational implications of any termination and to prioritize transparent communication with the community. Diana Carroll urged the board to show “courage” and said district leaders should be replaced if necessary: “Just pay it and get some new leadership here,” she said.

The board did not vote on the superintendent’s contract or issue a public decision to remove him at the May 6 meeting; several residents said they expected further action. Board members and administrators reiterated that certain personnel matters are handled under board and administrative rules and legal constraints and that some steps require time and counsel.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 20 at the middle school; community members said they expect continued public engagement and urged the board to respond to staff survey findings before the next school year.