Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Retention topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Teacher urges board to examine principal turnover and supports for school leaders
Summary
Susan Harnage, a special education teacher at Apache Junction High School, said the community lost a valued principal and urged the board to examine whether the district is doing enough to retain strong leaders and support staff morale.
During the public-comment period at the July 28 meeting, Susan Harnage, a special education teacher at Apache Junction High School, asked the board to consider why a principal who "cared about students" and "supported teachers" appears to be leaving and whether district conditions support retaining strong educational leaders.
"How did we lose a leader who meant so much to our school?" Harnage asked. She said the district has faced declining enrollment, budget challenges and heightened public scrutiny and urged the board to examine conditions that encourage leaders to stay. Harnage requested that the board carefully review what supports are in place for principals and staff morale as the district proceeds with leadership changes.
Board members acknowledged the comment; subsequent agenda items included a discussion of superintendent goals and mentorship tied to the contract extension vote.
