BURTON TRUSTEES HEAR COMPLAINTS, REMIND PUBLIC OF PROPER GRIEVANCE PROCESS
Burton School District Trustees addressed the employee complaints and grievance process at Monday’s meeting.
After the meeting was moved to the Burton High School Auditorium to seat the large crowd, members of the public shared concerns about discipline and other issues at the school. During open forum, several came forward and said their complaints were not being heard.
Superintendent Edna Kennedy spoke to the public, reminding them that the best ways to communicate with the Board are found in the student handbook that parents sign off on. She said complaints go through a process that starts with a teacher, and works up to the school board and superintendent. Trustee Felton Cox suggested the committee look into simplifying the process for voicing complaints.
Board president Demetrius Colvin said it’s easy for parents to forget how difficult teaching can be, and thanked teachers for the jobs they do. He also thanked the public for voicing their concerns to the board, and assured them the Board will continue to do what is best for students and their education.
Other agenda items included the approval of director and diagnostician contracts for Burton Special Services Cooperative, a report from the athletic director, a presentation on school safety, and the hiring and resignation of several staff members.
All these goings on are not new to the Burton district. As a child I had the misfortune to attend Burton ISD for one year. Our property is right on the edge of Burton’s district- we have a Brenham address and phone number and can drive straight down HWY 36 to Brenham in less than 10 minutes. I said all of that to give some background— I WAS NOT FROM BURTON. I did not fit in and me and my parents were told as much. Back then the Burton mafia ran things just as they are running them now and believe me when I say that they were even more bold back then. They said what they wanted to whom ever they wanted with no fear of consequences. We quickly transferred into Brenham ISD. I am now 50 years old. The players may be different but the game remains the same. Maybe it is time for TEA to look into all this hub bub!
To The Game Remains the Same,
Oh, they are just as bold. But, much more subtle than ever before. They have wormed their way into every aspect of the district and the town.
They intimidate school staff, townfolk and local businesses alike.
This new #MeTooBurton movement will finally put a stop to this harassment, abuse and corruption.
I say, “Enough of these higher than other districts’ taxes that do nothing more than fund the Burton Mafia Machine!”
Teacher Associations are not unions. They don’t have bargaining power to offset the overwhelming power of the admin, which treats staff as expendable, to be discarded once their purpose is served.
There’s been no mention as to why the volleyball coach has returned. Since the community’s only real interest is the success of sports programs and sports scholarships, What was wrong with the previous two coaches?
Does the fact that the returning coach is a family friend of the AD have anything to do with it?
With all the controversy revolving around the administration (supnt, AD, principals, “the family”), how is it that so many for so long (years, decades) have allowed it to happen?
Here at BISD,
There are just a few predators.
Countless victims.
The remaining (the majority) people are bystanders, who either benefit from the abuse of others or look the other way in hopes that they will not be next.
Why does the community allow it?
See – this is where I’ve grown weary of the opposition’s comment. Automatically assumed that the new volleyball coach returned because she’s a family friend, not because of her abilities as a coach and maybe wanting to return for any number of reasons.
Soul Searching – the 2017-18 volleyball coach took the girls to a state bronze medal level finish in her *first* year coaching. That’s an extremely rare and prestigious occurrence.
No one, and I do mean NO ONE is going to push out a coach (favored or not) that earns a state medal that fast (and in my opinion could’ve led them to a silver or gold medal had Iola just not been that dominate in semis) UNLESS there was something that was indeed legitimate complaints from parents, faculty, etc. Simply put – students work hard to stay on sports teams as well, which means better grades as you have to have a minimum 70 in order to play.
“(The) community’s only real interest is the success of sports programs and sports scholarships” is also inaccurate and unfair to the students who participate. Burton has had 80s and 90s on their statewide tests, which by the way are public record.
That’s simple logic – the new volleyball coach left because she wanted to get more experience as a coach at a slightly larger school. She probably would’ve been made the head coach when Megon LeSturgeon left otherwise. (By the way, Burton was very lucky LeSturgeon left – she currently is in jail for having an affair with a student at another school. Again this is public record and can be searched).
Personally, I think Kieke was an excellent assistant coach could’ve moved up then, but she chose her path and came back.
I don’t think the “community allows it” simply because I think they take comments said on both sides with a HUGE grain of salt.
After researching, I have apparently confused Katie Kieke with Katie Cloud, which I apologize for the error. To anyone responding to my comments regarding this, please do not correct me anymore. We all make mistakes and correcting me in a condescending manner does nothing more than exacerbate the argument and honestly hypocrisy.
That said, my opinion regarding the issues above remains the same: I don’t think a Burton High School *student* who was a player back during LeSturgeon’s time would’ve returned if there were these issues. Nor do I think they’d force out the 2018-19 head volleyball coach who helped the team earn a state bronze medal her FIRST year coaching UNLESS there was something serious going on.
The truth about th previous coaches. One left because she had her masters and want a job as a curriculum instructor, which there will never be one at burton because it is too small, so she went to a larger district. The other left because she was working on her masters and need more time to work on that. At least that what they told the team. Now are there issues? Yes but there are issues at every district. The issues at Burton are not nearly as extreme as some would like you to believe. There are some people who will twist the truth to benefit their agenda. If you want to know the truth ask the kids. Not just one but many they will all have different views and different experiences but over all Burton is a good place to be.
I’m so confused as to how Kieke, who graduated from Burton High School as Salutatorian in 2014, and has never been employed with the Burton School District until just recently (2017 A&M Graduate) was LeSturgeon’s assistant coach? Opinions are welcome…facts are encouraged. Go Big Red!!!
Another tired perspective,
Is there an answer in there to, “What was wrong with the two previous coaches?”?
Why not keep the coach that took the volleyball team to Bronze? Apparently, that coach got pushed out despite the assertion of “no one, but none one is going to push out…”
Why?
Answer: The Leadership
And the coach previous to the Bronze earner, who was driven away…Why?
Answer: Mafia
That should explain the “something seriously going on” part.
The new volleyball coach quite possibly, is qualified. But then, so too were the two previous coaches, who were coerced to leave.
It’s a waste of taxpayer money and an unethical and unnecessary disruption of
those victims’ careers.
Lest we forget, CHILDREN are the ultimate victims of the mafia’s self serving game playing. Children need consistency. This Burton turnover is counter to what children need.
The community allows it, because it gets entertainment from local sports, all the while ignoring the casualties to get Burton to the semi-finals every year. If the community actually took the time to look further into how corrupt and expensive/low return the sports programs are, the community would know its a hollow acheivement. A handful of students earning scholarships doesn’t justify the abuses perpetrated on some students along the way.
How about redirecting taxpayer money to Campus Anti-Bullying Initiatives, which would be the best overall prevention to a future active shooter?
What say you?
To Another and tired perspective: the new volleyball coach was not here before, left, and came back!! She was a student here, went to college, and now accepted a position as head volleyball coach. Let’s get facts straight!! And, she and her family are very close friends of the AD and his family. At least for now they are.
Recent/Former Player: Either you are delusional or perceived behavior as a norm. Maybe you were one of the “pets” immune to the wrath of the AD. Either way, I’m happy for you that you have fond memories. Unfortunately that is not the case for most people involved in this situation. I strongly encourage everyone to go by the administration office and get copies of the letters that were submitted at the last board meeting. Just know that there are many, many more people that have these types of stories of bullying/abuse that are not brave enough to come forward. The board needs to take these accusations seriously. Time for consequences for the years of abuse that have been allowed to run rampant in our school.
Comments like this saying players with good memories were “pets” or delusional is exactly why more start feeling this is more of a vendetta than actual, real concern. That’s disturbing as much as the allegations.
And it’s just as much of bullying as what is being alleged toward certain people. You and others do not like hearing that but that is how you’re being translated.
No one wins with behavior like this kind Just Saying. You hinder the solution instead.
Another Perspective, In regards to those who are “pets”, what has happened in BISD is that the prevalent culture of intimidation and control perpetuated by the family has created a mind set in its followers or beneficiaries called…
Confirmation Bias.
People have been accustomed to believe what they want to believe, regardless of the shocking and glaring facts of abuse.
It’s almost like a Stepford Wives thing.
Any news of improprieties are treated as gossip, and not to be investigated. Because, for a follower to proceed in even a casual inquiry, it would jeopardise a follower’s perfect little world of the comfortable job or the free ride for their kid.
Because certain people wield so much control, the majority of the staff would rather be left alone, so that they can “get their’s” from the meager pie of pay and positions or if it’s a parent, a possible sports scholarship, even though it is the least successful career path for the majority of students nationwide.
Unfortunately, certain individuals who wield the power have used that normal human failing to their own gain, which essentially keeps people quiet, at the expense of the victims who are frantically trying to obtain justice.
Confirmation Bias is based in fear.
Another and tired perspective, just wondering if you have experienced a child being bullied and abused. What would you do? Hopefully not stand by and do nothing. There are children and there are adults, the only two sides I see.
(I would like KWHI to please post this on the board if nothing else I’ve said).
Child Advocate – I’ve seen children be bullied and abused – but not in Burton. If I had, it’d been reported immediate and if Needed, went straight to law enforcement that is at every single game. I also would’ve backed it up.
I have been a victim of both myself, and honestly – what I’ve read from the many comments here whenever I say anything…
Has honestly been no better, and the pets thing IS like it or not the same sort of bullying being denounced.
I and others who have said to people to “be fair,” or “I’ve seen a different story (the BHS student)” have been told the following – in demeanor if not actual words:
“Sit down, shut up.”
Or shorter – basically that the ONLY comments that are correct are theirs, or that I’m “protecting” people (I only protect those I don’t know the full story on and when I do act accordingly).
I’m sorry, that’s just as much bullying as what this supposed “family” is doing.
And I’m also a person who QUESTIONS claims, including those from victims.
Why do I question and not take things at face value/see the other side?
See – I’ve been wrongly accused of being a racist because I narrowed my eyes to get an eyelash out in front of someone easily offended, I’ve been called a trollop and a homosexual (I’m neither) simply because I’m single. Those monikers hurt me in my life – emotionally, physically, job world, but fortunately I was able to overcome them.
Worse, the false accusers got away with it.
I’ve also known coaches in towns I’ve lived who had their livelihoods destroyed because a family, upset their child didn’t play much, made a false claim they were bullied. Not saying this is the case in this issue, but one has to look at all sides of an argument.
To be honest – I’m wondering if the bigger picture here is to just get rid of sports totally/close the school and have them go to Brenham to (they think) save few bucks.
You’ll still have to pay the school taxes at Brenham, and while they’re lower, they are likely to go up to accommodate the extra kids, the extra miles they have to drive, etc. (Chappell Hill and other smaller townships in the county do not count – they have no choice but to go to Brenham).
What good is that to the kids? – Larger schools mean that they have to audition to be on a team and many of the really good kids who do get scholarships at 2A – won’t even make the team at a larger one. Has anyone considered the facts that 1. Sports participation is actually UP in most areas, and 2. These students do to have fun and have something on their scholarship and college applications, as schools want people to actively and proudly show off their schools?
I’ve personally grown tired of what I’ve seen here – people have a clear agenda that is far bigger than a few people in the school and are trying to shove out dissent. And that honestly is the scarier thing to me.
Let’s be honest and sum this entire forum up… There are two kinds of people here:
Those that are fed up and have realistic concerns or have been subjected to some kind of wrongdoing by the AD or Admin, whether it be themselves or a family member
Those who buy pigs and “socialize” with the named people or those that are fearful that the football season may be ruined if something happens now.
What happens from here? Maybe Monday will clear things up!
Let me give you a real perspective of burton High School and the coaching. I graduated from there within the last 5 years and I played under Hodde and the coaches every year. Hodde is not a bad guy at all. Sure he can be a little excubernt but, he loves his town more than any other coach out there and he wants to see people and ALL teams succeed. Never once did he belittle anyone or do anything physically, mentally, or emotionally to hurt a kid. He just coached and coaching does require some yelling at and if some kids can’t handle that then they need to find something else to do. As for the people complaining about softball are we really gonna blame the AD for not getting wins? It was the ladies first year, plus I know for a fact that this new guy is a good coach and is going to be good for the girls. Just my thoughts.
Just an outsider looking in here. Reading through the comments is pretty confusing. Can someone give me the cliffsnotes version of what the complaining is all about? Funny how comments seem to step around the problems all the while complaining about the meeting. What exactly is the problem here.
In a nutshell, it looks like most of this revolves around an old fashioned family feud involving the school’s AD-Jason Hodde (and his supporters) at odds with those that don’t like him because: 1) they feel he unfairly treats or bullies some of the students, parents, teachers and coaches, or 2) the perception that he doesn’t care about or do anything to benefit girls sports. All of these things seem to have also created problems between different students/parents/teachers/coaches based upon whose side they may be on. Many of those students/parents/teachers/coaches are also upset because they think that the supt.-Dr. Kennedy and a couple of members on the school board have just turned a blind eye to the matter or they are in fact supporters of Jason and are therefore letting him get away with it. This has in turn also put a target on their backs with the anti-Jason crowd. The pro-Jason group deny these accusations and contend they are baseless.
While I don’t have a dog in this fight, it sounds unlikely to get better any time soon (I truly hope I’m wrong) because the one side will not be completely happy unless he is gone. I don’t think this is the only issue the school board is currently facing but most of the comments look to be in reference to it in one way or another. (If I’m wrong I’m sure I’ll be called out for it. If that’s the case feel free to correct me.)
The one thing I am certain about is it’s going to be awfully hard to write that check in October to pay property taxes when I know it’s going to fund what has become a circus sideshow.
This is a cult. If you challenge the cult in any fashion you become an outcast. Intimidation and character assassination follows. The victim has no recourse, because complaints die as they go up the chain of command. Most people end up being bystanders as they see their fellow colleague gutted, shamed, discounted, ridiculed and eventually reassigned to the point that they choose to retire, move for family reasons, or out and out quit. Most employees, parents, and students just keep their mouths shut. Everyone is afraid for their jobs, if they speak up. Because the nepotism is so prevalent, you never know who to trust.
Children are retaliated upon (bullied) by staff and other students uncertified/undercertified teachers placed into positions simply for the convenience of that status quo: The entertainment for the town, football; nepotism has replaced professionalism.
Severity – please stop saying that the coach is the reason all the teachers move, retire, etc.
That is a lie plain and simple and disrespectful to the one who loved being here.
Ol s you act as though these teachers are fearful for jobs when Texas is a right to work state. They are not forced to stay here, they can leave. Given the ratio tends to be 1:1 on leaving and entering the district to teach… while you are entitled to your opinion, I think you’re exaggerating based on facts.
Another Perspective,
No, they just can’t leave as you say.
The “Right to Work” is a misnomer.
It’s a manipulation. It is a way to exclude workers from organising (into unions). It all came about because of some abuses by unions and the perceived damage they have caused to the economy. In order to benefit the powers that be, those abuses were exaggerated to obscure the real benefits unions provide: most notably, worker protections. Because of “right to work”, teacher unions are relagated into different competing “associations.” The old divide and conquer. Meanwhile , Texas hovers near the bottom academically near the bottom nationally.
When the power is all in a few hands, abuses occur.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
That is the problem with BISD. The power is held in one family’s hands, with the Board, and administration as it’s lap dog, for the sake of providing entertainment to the community with football.
Those with certain names are persecuted, those that dare stand in the way are driven out, those that suck up are pampered.
The rest watch in fear or decide they can’t take this environment anymore and state the reasons that you claim to leave so as not to invite any retaliation as they go off to other districts.
Some attrition is expected, but to ignore what’s happening here is negligent at the least.
Malaise – I merely state truth. NO ONE is forced to stay here.
Secondly, Texas does allow unions, but private ones. This is easily researched.
The rest is your opinion, but not fact.
********
Severity, you have made several references to the AD who is the head coach.
(You also have ignored my poain’t the new volleyball coach had been here, left and has returned to Burton. If it were as bad as claimed I cannot see someone willingly return).
I’m done – it’s quite clear here there is no one willing to practice what the preach on hearing both sides.
I think there’s a bit of a witch hunt going on, and that is what disturbs me more.
You said it. Not me. I never said anything pinpointing the coach.
Another Tired Perspective,
You seem to be really wedded to this notion that this clan is the best thing for BISD and has done no wrong.
Without having to go into the differences of public and private unions, Texas teacher associations are quasi-public, but without bargaining rights.
They are the concsience of Texas schools because they know the laws, often they set admin straight regarding teacher and student rights.
Burton is especially starved for the guiding lights, because the powers that be have thoroughly suppressed any notion of teacher rights. Teachers go into the job naively thinking that management will play as fair as they do. But, BISD takes advantage of their good natures and exploits them for its own gain. Students are at the bottom of this pyramid. For most students, this is all they will know. So much for individualism, let alone self esteem.
Of course it’s a 1:1 ratio. Those exiting teachers need to be replaced, but this district has a revolving door! You still have not acknowledged the reasons why!
Could it be that that there was nothing wrong with the two previous volleyball coaches, but the most recent coach happens to be a family friend with AD? Is this what BISD has fallen to: Attracting family and friends over qualified and tested Teachers?
There’s a word for that: NEPOTISM.
How could anyone look themselves in the mirror and allow the mean spirited tactics to remove quality teachers and all of the other goings on to make way for the interests on a mere few.
There are but just a few perpetrators.
There are many, many victims.
But, the majority of the staff and community are the BY-STANDERS.
If you actually knew the reasoning of HER not being there you would know why she was not present! I feel as if her child’s health and well being is pretty important to her!! So keep sitting her bad mouthing her for not being in attendance to a award ceremony to a school and town already don’t want her in because she had an emergency phone call from the Dr for her unborn child’s health!!!
Hope this is constructive enough to get posted.
burtonisd.net
Main Menu
Scroll way down to
Online Board Policy (sometimes there’s a glitch that won’t let you scroll down)
(For community)
On left side of screen click
G. Community and Governmental Relations
Click on GF: Public Complaints
Click on GF Local
(For staff) Go to Online Board Policy
D. Personnel
DGBA: Personnel-Management Relations- Employee Complaints/Grievances
Click on DGBA local
(Also read)
D. Personnel
DIA: Employee Welfare-Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
(For parents) click on F. then FNG Local
*You have to pick up the complaint form in administrative office. It is not online.
I tried it out and it’s kind of a long way around to get to the policy. It definitely wasn’t easy to navigate to without the above instructions. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to put the Online Board Policy under the School Board tab on the home page? That’s the first place I would have looked for it when I didn’t see it as a QUICKLINK. I think that it would be helpful to put the BOARD MEETINGS – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION information there too.
Regarding complaint forms, not all the forms are readily available at the admin building and have resulted in a 30 minute wait for the superintendent to hand one over. Whats that all about.
No sir, definitely can’t feel sorry for him. How many times can someone play victim before people wake up and realize there is a huge problem with this person? He’s not in education for the right reasons. A coach is supposed to build our children up, not belittle them. I do not wish anyone bad, but some things need to be changed. How can any of the parents of the children he has coached let him call their children names, names that can’t be posted on this page? Is winning a football game that important? I would hope your child’s mental, emotional and physical stability would be number one. The kids are winning the games anyway- not the coach. Wake up Burton!
A group of concerned parents filed a complaint with the superintendent a couple of months ago. 2 parents meet with the AD and an administrator. Specific concerns were voiced about an employee and the parents were informed that their hands were tied. When we let a month lapse and contacted the superintendent we were told I’m looking into it. Another month passed and we brought are concerns and spoke before the school board. We still have not been contacted by the superintendent as to a response to our complaints. I’m sure she is still looking into it. The employee we had complained about was not present at our academic athletic banquet to present our students with their State patches. It was about par for the course as this person hadn’t been here for our girls all year. Still waiting on a response from our superintendent who is telling people there is a process! Funny the process is to sweep things under the rug and never get back to those who “ follow the process”. I commend the AD for listening to our complaints and informing us he couldn’t do anything about this employee as his hands were tied.
Look closer, Paul. You will find that the AD was the reason that coach blew off the banquet.
To “When the smoke clears,”
Are you insinuating that the coach chose not to appear at the banquet due to one individual? If this is true, and I hope it isn’t, that would be unfortunate. It would be heartbreaking that she didn’t make an effort to commend the team that provided her with a dream season as a first year varsity coach. The girls were exasperated at the fact that this individual didn’t have enough respect for them, the sport, the school, or their accompishments to be there that night to announce their achievements and present them with their state patches as well as thank them for teaching her so much about team loyalty and the sport of volleyball as well.
On the other hand, there was a softball team that felt the same feelings of abandonment as well that night. A team that didn’t have as successful of a season as they would have liked to, but a team that showed up and played their hearts out and showed devotion to the sport and their coaches. A team that was looking forward to their coach calling them up one by one and stating what a great season they had no matter the record.
So… you stated “look closer”… I was there… and it didn’t matter how close I looked that night, she wasn’t there, but there was an AD there that did speak of the teams’ seasons and accomplishments and for that, I am thankful.
Guess she figured since the AD didn’t have to stay for the medals and congratulate the girls at the state tournament, like all other AD’s did and do at all other state tournament for sports, then she didn’t need to be at the banquet. Who knows what was really said to her which led to her not showing up? Guess unless it is you or your family that is being harassed, called vulgar names, and whatever else, then it is really not fair to judge!
She had a Dr. Appointment. She is pregnant and could not change appointment.
There was no loyalty to her. The parents didn’t like her and it trickled down to kids. Let it go already.
So it’s all of the parents fault? First of all she made no attempt to get to know the parents or let us know her. The girls coached themselves! At the state tournament the girls set in the dressing room for hours without their coach to keep them motivated!! The girls respected her at first. When the girls ask for help from her all they got was figure it out and got no advice. Then the respect start to fall. These girls have played volleyball together for years and have worked hard to make it to state tournament. I am super proud of them but it seems the coach wasn’t as proud of them.
I’m sure the awards banquet has been on the calendar since the first of the year. Then why wasn’t she at the junior high awards during school? She was at school but not at the award ceremony.
The AD didn’t have his hands tied when he stripped coaches of their duties when they challenged his intimidation tactics!
The banquet was in the evening. Additionally, I seriously doubt the parents of a state bronze medalist team would want the coach gone *unless* there was something questionable. It does also bear to note no volleyball player played softball this year, one reason for the weaker season.
I’m not saying there ISN’T a reason to think it has anything to do with AD or parents, but reading comments here, one does have to wonder if every teacher leaving is now automatically assumed to be due to AD or something else. That is mathematically impossible.
Well said
The AD didn’t strip anyone of anything. His bosses did!!!!
So the AD has no control over the assignments of coaches? Recommendation had to be made by someone to have coaches stripped of their duties, but that is about par for the situation going on, put the blame on someone else! I seriously doubt the Supe or principal are that involved in the coaching aspect of the school.
Proper channels, yeah right! I had followed proper channels
And nothing was done! I was alienated, my kids was mistreated because of me speaking up, stares, and rumors flew everywhere and even some students contacted me about our teacher parent discussion. Not all but most teachers treat the students as a friend and not a teacher. Certain people are and always will be protected. This is why a lot of parents are scared to speak up because of the alienation and how the kids get treated after speaking up. The parent teacher relationship has gone out the window long time ago
8 teachers resigned in April and May and a rumour that 1 more teacher is going to resign. WOW!
Unbelievable – I also heard people jeer the AD when he made comments and laughed in his face too. The unprofessional attitude I would dare say went both ways in the meeting.
If we are going to be 100 percent fair – The poor pastor at the beginning’s comments were unheeded on all sides.
Additionally, as this has been addressed all over the place: A board cannot discuss issues addressed in open forum until another meeting – nor can they discuss discipline in open forum too. This is state meetings law, and was read by the board prior to the opening of forum.
Actually, the AD camp were late arriving, disruptive, loud and unprofessional.
The chuckles were in response to the AD’s inane and ironic invitation for current and future victims to come to HIM, of all people, for resolution.
Absured. Hence, the laughter and the looks!
I’m still laughing.
First repent, then reform, then repatriate ALL victims to their original positions, remove all hiring authority from the AD, then ask for forgiveness, then you will receive forgiveness.
The Prayer – I was in attendance and you’re distorting. AD was there on time.
The people who spoke out also left in the middle of discussion of an agenda item and loudly as well. This is also rude and distracting.
I’m sorry but the people “laughing” (actually jeering – I’ve been a victim to them in my own life and know the sound difference) at the AD’s response was EXACTLY the same as what you and others decried a teacher doing – disrespectful of another opinion.
Them being teachers does not disqualify the jeers as being fair – disrespect goes both ways. No one took a higher ground if you’re totally honest there.
AD also doesn’t hire anyone officially. That is the board – they approve or decline hires.
(FYI, to correct another distortion – of the eight teachers who’ve left, at least 2-3 are retirees, one moved for certain due to family, one moved for a bigger school and the others supposedly targeting, one said certain).
“The world will NOT be destroyed by those who do EVIL, but by THOSE who WATCH them without doing anything.”
Albert Einstein
“The world will NOT be destroyed by those who do EVIL, but by THOSE who WATCH them without doing anything.”
Albert Einstein
So you feel sorry for someone who finally got a taste of his own medicine?
Big Dog and the Einstein quoting person:
I only state fact – neither side were saints in their behavior on this issue – both were rude to the other side.
The only good thing is they were addressed. If folks would be as objective, maybe things would be solved.
I would like to commend everyone that spoke the truth at the meeting. It took a lot of courage to finally speak out against the bullying tactics of certain individuals. I would also like to strongly encourage these same people to take the next step if the board doesn’t do what needs to be done. File grievances with TEA, state, whatever it takes. All of you have made a giant step in trying to rectify this horrible, inappropriate situation. To “Unbelievable” I wasn’t at the meeting, wish I was, but I bet I know exactly which staff member was laughing at the mom that was discussing her child. It’s so obvious who it was based on passed experience. Another example of what’s wrong within the school district. It amazes me how some get away with any behavior they choose to enact just because of their name!! I implore the board to take these complaints very seriously. This bullying behavior has been going on for years!! Time to put a stop to it!!
As it was not printed, who knows the list of teacher resignations from last night’s meeting? Curious to see which excellent teachers we lost now.
It was listed in the Banner-Press. One teacher is retiring and one is moving – my understanding due to issues other than the ones complained. A third also announced his resignation but it was being frustrated with parents.
Another Perspective,
Are you in denial? There are four reasons teachers are leaving.
Bullies.
Intimidation
Subversion
Despots
Deluded – I’ve been to meetings and yes, not all of them are due to the reasons you list. Some of them are retirements from teaching and moving due to the spouse getting a job elsewhere. Two of the three occurred in Monday’s meeting.
To say it’s just for those four reasons is honestly unfair.
I would disagree about the reasons people leave, not just this year, but in the past. For a small community to lose teachers and coaches year after year, just doesn’t add up. The problem is that the sentiment that some on these messages are showing towards the AD is the same sentiment that has allowed these types of things to go on for years. Good thing that the truth is finally coming forward and he can’t hide behind his name anymore! Maybe those who haven’t spoke up in the past can also feel a little relief that something is finally being done, because there are probably many more than just the few that showed up at the meeting. The right people at BISD are finally seeing that with all the smoke there is a fire that needs to be dealt with!
Big Dog, I would say the percentage is at least 80-20 on reasons why people are leaving due to retirement, moving, etc. to the reasons you list.
And it’s also about on par with schools in the state. Additionally, at least the ones I’ve been able to attend, it’s pretty much even who comes in/who comes out.
Something doesn’t add up, but I’m thinking it’s NOT just because of one person, the Athletic Director. That doesn’t even make sense given they do not have charge of all the hiring/firing.
If anything, it sounds like targeting is being done on BOTH sides of the aisle.
Another Perspective: 80-20? Since you are that up to date, then what was the reasoning for that 3 girls coaches left last year? Maybe you should dig a little deeper.
Big Dog: Two coaches left for a better job elsewhere. Why specifically not said.
I will point out however one coach came back to Burton to coach.
Let that sink in – one coach *returned* to Burton. If it was all fire and fury, why would someone return?
Like I said – there is two sides to the story and I merely state facts here.
I think you need to dig deeper if you overlooked this point.
Retiring is another way of saying enough is enough!
To Big Dog and severity, the retirements are age. I’m finding it interesting you just presume it’s because of the AD, or being “fed up.”
But to counter a point, the new head volleyball coach left Burton and now has returned as head coach. This is true, so one has to wonder all sides of story.
“Hopeless”, in your opinion, do you think anything positive came out of the meeting? A few positive comments from those who were there can go a little way toward helping that reputation.
As for the public comments and grievances, I don’t think the board can be expected to act on most of the things brought up by those who made comments right then and there, especially since there are new board members who may not be quite up to speed on everything yet. I do think they need to act and act fast on most of those things. Unless it’s a health and safety issue or a criminal matter, I think we need to wait to see what action is taken at the next meeting before we write them off as a group that will do nothing.
To Dr. Kennedy and the school board, since I am just a property owner and taxpayer, I don’t get a student handbook or have a teacher to help start the ball rolling for me. I would like to see you put a link on the district website to give those of us that want to comment at the meetings the ability to get on the agenda online. If it’s a link there now, it’s not very easy to find.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – Laozi
Creative alias,
The positive thing was that FINALLY, people are pushing back at these employees who prey on decent people for their own benefit.
These ARE health, safety and for sure CRIMINAL matters that can be remedied with an immediate police escort off the campus.
The Board needs to rise up as well, and take back this district, first by holding the superintendent and the three administrators accountable with YEAR TO YEAR CONTRACTS, just like teachers.
Better yet, make them “At Will Employees”, since they ain’t here for the pay, the prestige, or the pupils…They only want the POWER.
Further, the board needs to consider how we will spend our resources (tax dollars). Do we invest in the hope for a handful of player college scholarships? Or do we reinvest to replace the high caliber teachers that were forced to leave and provide the positive support to these teachers since teachers are the ones who can instill self esteem and leadership skills for ALL our students?
In the end it is our kids, the next generation of taxpayers, that will benefit from forward thinking decisions made today.
I quite agree and some of the audience associated with the Athletic Director were inappropriately loud and disorderly. They made themselves look ridiculous and immature. It was disrespectful to the board.
These issues have been in the making for several years, even prior to Dr Kennedy. Poor leadership, lack of accountability, and power tripping board members with their own agenda. Glad to see parents finally getting involved, long over due.
I would, however, like to know why there where “several resignations”? Seems that the media left that vague and up for interpretation. Actual number would be great. And what is up with, (from previous article) “discuss the duties and discipline of a public officer”? Can someone provide more information? I can’t believe no one commented on that! Seems like a big deal when it comes to a school board.
I’m betting this mess isn’t over with just yet…..
As someone who was there – there were three resignations, only one in regard to these complaints, but for a different reason.
The duties and discipline of a public officer was done in executive session, but I do not know if action was taken. I do however know it was in executive session (which is allowed per state law) as I was there for the entire meeting.
Sounds like all the complaints fell on deaf ears, once again. The problems are very real, and I suggest the school board members stand up and take notice!! Parents, teachers, students, and the community are fed up with sweeping things under the rug, ignoring real ligitimate complaints. Sounds like one family is always protected, no matter what they do, how they bully everyone, how they disrespect co workers as well as students. Dr. Kennedy stated that there is a process for complaints before it comes to the board. I know proper channels have been taken in the past, and when it ended up in the superintendents office, no further action was taken. Our school’s reputation has gone down significantly in the past several years. Now is the time for the school board to do what they were elected to do!! Do NOT turn deaf ears and blind eyes to these complaints. I guarantee that there are many more in the district with similar or worse complaints, but feel tied and gagged because of repercussions.
I was at this meeting and discipline was not discussed. Complaints against staff members were the main topic. I don’t understand how the district thinks they can improve when they are not opening up to some of the main problems. The turnover at this district in the past two years is unreal. One would wonder why there is so much turnover. Parents need to understand they can and should speak up when it comes to the well being of their student without retaliation. I believe there would be more complaints if parents had that certainty.
After attending the meeting last night, I was totally amazed at the way some board members are talked to by other board members and the Superintendent. Also, after encouraging the public to speak up about concerns within the district, some of the board members weren’t even paying attention while the individuals were speaking. This district still has a long way to go before turning it’s reputation around. Complaints need to be taken seriously and not swept under the rug. I will be surprised if there is any action taken on the grievances filed. It seems like there are only a couple of board members that genuinely care about the education of the students and do not have their own agenda. They will get outvoted every time. Prayers for everyone that spoke last night.
I was there too and I disagree. The ones “not paying attention” were taking notes about the issue.
The board members talked respectfully to each other, but some of the citizens were rude to board members and called them out.
As far as action – I think it will be done. As said, there are two sides to every story. We will see.
Most definitely there are two sides to every story. Several of the accusations last night were in fact true and did happen the way they were presented. When one lady spoke, a current Burton ISD staff laughed at her, as the lady was crying because of her concern regarding her child. Maybe it’s staff like these that are unprofessional that are causing the turnover. Shame on that person for laughing while listening to someone hurting regarding their child. If this is the type of representation the district wants, that may be a reason good teachers and staff are going to other districts. I would only hope that this staff member who found the parent concern so funny, was at least spoken to by the principal and/or the Superintendent. If not, shame on them. I feel like more skeletons will continue to fall out of closets until actions are taken. The district can never expect the taxpayers to pass a bond with these type of non professional staff representing Burton. And with all the transfers, Burton may not need a bigger school. If only some people would put themselves in some of these other people’s places, they may understand the complaints. What if it were you child? Something to think about!
Yes, the teacher laughing while the mother spoke was disgusting! It goes to show how she treats people. Also saw the “whooping and cheering from the same teacher and the other family member of the AD – I think most agreed that did nothing but make them look silly. I can’t see how the school admin and board will get away sweeping the things discussed under the rug this time. From what I hear most of the info will be public record. I encourage tax payers to inquire and see what they are getting for their hard earned money! Parents check it out – see what our kids could be subjected to.
Where do you find the public record at?
I’d like to point out the AD was also jeered by people when he talked. That is no better than a teacher “laughing” (which I didn’t hear – I did scoffing on both sides). Please – as the pastor said, let’s be respectful and honest.
Also, my understanding is sealed envelopes are not public record unless the person themselves choose to release them. The contents inside them are about faculty, which again would be discussed in executive session.
The letters submitted to the school board are public record and available to anyone at the Burton ISD offices.
Another Perspective,
If you were paying attention, then you saw the previously morose supnt, suddenly turned giddy, who gleefully applauded the AD for throwing the life line of a glowing report, (oh never mind that elephant), that could save her from the grilling onslaught of the gut wrenching testimonies.
That life line is indeed attached to a millstone, soon to be cast into the sea.
Bow – that is not accurate at all. Additionally, if she was “giddy” (I question that) it’s because he’s following the goals that were given to him by the same board who was waylaid into by commenters here for announcing publicly.
And your last sentence seems a bit threatening. Care to clarify?
You can request a copy of any of the complaints handed in at the board meeting directly from the person that filed the complaint. If you request from admin you will have to wait up to 10 days.