For the past 10 years, since my son started at Manitou Elementary, I have been a member of the Manitou Springs School District 14 community. We chose Manitou for the whole-child philosophy, small-town feel and excellent opportunities for the students.
It was Manitou’s reputation and the relationships we had with administrators and teachers that attracted us to choice into the district. Once we did, we experienced amazing educators such as Christi Marquardt, Brandon Wood, Amy Bradbury, Jeana Farrell and many others who have kept us in this district.
Over the past year, I have grown increasingly concerned about the “ready, fire, aim” approach the district has adopted, as well as the appearance of pushing leaders, and teachers, out of our school district. This concerns me greatly and I believe that’s why many parents such as myself have written opinion pieces.
Throughout my time as an MSSD14 parent, I have never shied away from bringing up my concerns to leadership. At times, I have felt heard by some and ignored by others, but as an advocate for my kids, I refuse to be silenced or ignored.
When it was announced that the district was looking to do “listening” sessions with parents about security, I signed up for both the MSES and MSHS options. I was one of two parents who showed up at a MSES session and the only parent to show up at the MSHS session.
Why aren’t parents participating? Has the topic of parent involvement been belabored? Or is it frustration that parents are listened to, but not heard?
Although being involved doesn’t make me special or unique in our district, it has allowed me to see at times the district’s inner workings.
In all honesty, I have seen the sausage being made and it makes me concerned just like Upton Sinclair was regarding what ingredients are going in the sausage we eat in our homes.
I believe as parents we aren’t interested in criticizing the school district, we are looking to improve it by asking questions to better understand why teachers and leaders are leaving en masse. Exit interviews and teacher surveys, conducted anonymously through a third party, would serve us well in examining this trend.
Don’t we all want to understand why this is happening so we can address the issue? I hope so.
I’m listening and have heard that the financial strain our teachers are under is challenging and the pandemic has taken its toll. But, let’s take the guesswork out of this conversation. Let’s find out if these are actually the reasons so many are leaving MSSD14, or are there other systemic issues at play?
I can’t believe that 60-plus educators, leaders and support staff leaving in less than nine months is not worrisome to others.
I believe District 14 leadership has what they believe to be the best interest of the district in mind. I am optimistic they too will join a growing chorus of parents, teachers and community members in seeking answers.
Is Manitou still a wonderful place? Yes. Do I have apprehensions that my fifth-grade daughter will still be there when she is a high school freshman? Yes, based on the fact that communication, transparency and trust continue to break down between district leadership, teachers and parents.
Please keep in mind that the almost 50 percent of students who choiced in come to Manitou because of building leadership and beloved teachers, not because of a superintendent or assistant superintendent.
It is the teachers, the staff and the principals who keep us in Manitou, and right now the turnover and influx of new principals, assistant principals and teachers causes me concern.
Constant change impacts students adversely. Let’s make sure decisions are being made with kids as the top priority.