Parents urge Echo SD 5 to explain teacher swap and evaluation process

Two parents used the public-comment period to press the Echo School District 5 board for clearer oversight of teacher performance and to ask why some teachers were placed on assistance plans only recently.

“Kenzie McCoy,” a parent and health-care professional, said she has received unsolicited concerns from current and past parents about classroom performance tied to a planned swap involving a teacher identified in public comments as Mrs. Robinson. McCoy told the board she could not name complainants for confidentiality reasons but said the district should ensure “the best teachers available at every single grade,” especially in elementary school. “I think the goal of our school … is to have one of the best schools in Eastern Oregon,” she said.

Pendleton resident Stephanie Morrison also addressed the board, saying she previously filed a formal complaint to district staff about a preschool classroom and asked whether preschool teachers are formally evaluated. “Was there a formal evaluation made by anybody in the school on Mrs. Robinson while she was teaching in class?” Morrison asked. She said she and other parents had signed letters documenting concerns and asked the board to consider whether preschool seats that families pay for should come with clearer evaluation and accountability processes.

Board members did not take action during public comment. The superintendent acknowledged the concerns and noted the district’s confidentiality limits when staff handle personnel matters; the board directed staff to accept the written notes from parents and to follow established personnel processes rather than open the matter for public debate at that time.

The public commenters’ letters will be received by district staff for review; the board did not announce any immediate personnel decisions during the meeting.