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Parents show support for Kidwell at school board meeting
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 3:04 AM EDT
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| Stacy Kidwell, center talked with supporters while the Mason County School Board went into executive session. Gary Kidwell is also shown on the right. -- Terry Prather/Staff |
Several parents expressed their concerns that Kidwell's contract was not renewed for the upcoming school year, making reference to the high morale at the school among parents, staff and students.
When news of Kidwell's termination became public on May 8, Superintendent Tim Moore said he was unable to comment further on the decision since it involves a personnel issue.
Jodi Adams was the first to address board members, reminding them she was the parent who attempted to circulate a petition on school property last week in support of Kidwell. Adams said she understood the decision not to renew Kidwell's contract by school administrators probably wasn't going to change, but she wanted a chance to speak on Kidwell's behalf.
"It's hard for me to believe ... that this is happening," Adams said, stating as a parent she has seen a positive influence at the school since Kidwell became principal in August, 2007.
"I would have liked to have seen proof where she went wrong," said Adams, who then proceeded to ask if Kidwell was given any type of progress reports or growth charts by administrators to gauge her success or failures throughout the year.
"Who's helping her?" asked Adams. "I don't feel like she was supported through the administration."
Adams said she was only able to obtain the signatures of 71 parents on her petition, but felt if she, as well as other parents, had had earlier notification of Kidwell's termination, she could have collected more signatures of those parents who protested the decision.
Melissa Dixon also spoke up in defense of Kidwell, saying morale at the school was great.
Before other parents could speak to the board, Chairman Terry Cunningham asked if the parents had a collective spokesperson or if they all wished to speak, explaining he wanted to determine how many people were going to speak. He was told they all wanted to speak as individuals.
Cunningham then asked Adams if she had contacted Superintendent Tim Moore to express her concerns.
Adams said she couldn't get in touch with Moore, acknowledging he was busy, but said she had tried "several times" without success.
Cunningham assured Adams if she were to contact Moore again, "he would be accessible."
Parrish Manning and Lori Johnson also spoke on Kidwell's behalf, with Manning going so far as to say that past experiences with school administrators in the district have left her feeling unwelcome and afraid to visit the schools her children attend.
"The teachers are happy, the parents are happy, the children are thriving," said Johnson. "What do you expect ... what do you want from her?"
Chris Dunaway was the last parent to address the board, saying he thought school administrators and school board members should support the parents on this issue.
"It would be nice to have the board's support," said Dunaway.
After hearing the concerns of all parents who wished to speak, the board went on to conduct other business before them.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Moore was asked if the decision to terminate Kidwell's contract would be reconsidered after listening to the concerns of those parents who attended.
"I haven't changed my decision," Moore said, again citing the issue as being a personnel issue, which leaves him unable to comment on why Kidwell's contract was not renewed.
However, Moore did say as an administrator, it's important to value what parents have to say and to listen to them with respect, but ultimately, it is his decision to make the best decision upon the information provided.
Moore said he, as superintendent is limited to what he can say since the issue involves a personnel matter, but Kidwell can divulge the reasons given to her by his office if she wants to.
"I appreciate their concern and passion for what they believe. I haven't changed my decision," Moore said.
In other business, the board:
-- Approved attendance at an FCCLA national meeting in Orlando, Fla.
-- Approved the MCHS Boys Basketball team's attendance at the Sunshine Classic Holiday Tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla. in December, 2008.
-- Approved a $275,357.00 contract with Maher Electric for electrical upgrades at Straub Elementary, Mason County Middle School and the high school for improved technology access.
-- Went into executive session to discuss candidates for the Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Service awards, which will be presented at graduation on Friday, May 30.
-- Approved a state mandated raise of 1 percent for certified and classified salary schedules for the 2008/2009 school year.
Contact Marla Toncray at marla.toncray@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 275.
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