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Board approves superintendent agreement amid union protests over turnover
Summary
The Woodland Park Board approved an employment agreement extending Dr. Michele Pillari’s term despite public testimony from union leaders and teachers who said high turnover and workplace issues are driving staff departures. The motion passed 7–0 with one abstention.
The Woodland Park Board of Education voted on Oct. 21 to approve an employment agreement for Dr. Michele Pillari covering July 1, 2024–June 30, 2029. The motion, made by Shannon Marren and seconded by Kim Galbraith, passed on roll call 7 YES, 1 abstention (David Amanullah).
Union leaders and teachers packed the public hearing to oppose proceeding with the vote that night. Karen Criscione, co‑president of the Woodland Park Education Association (WPEA), urged the board to delay and said many staff were unhappy: "teachers don't quit jobs, they quit bosses," she told the board. Teri Carbonelli, WPEA co‑president, placed 60 balloons in the chamber to symbolize the 60 certificated staff who have left the district since 2020 and said most departures were driven by internal issues, not pay.
Board members responded in advance of the vote. MaryAnn Perro said she was surprised by the timing of the complaints and stressed that the board cannot manage day‑to‑day operations; Mark Salemi defended the superintendent’s record and criticized the union’s protest. David Amanullah said he was not ready to vote and suggested forming a committee to address teacher concerns. After the vote Dr. Pillari thanked the board and said she was "hopeful to work with the WPEA" to continue collaboration.
The vote followed the Board's public notice and a standard hearing process; the motion text authorizes the Board President, Board Secretary and Board Attorney to take actions to effectuate the agreement.
