School district no longer feels like a family
To the editor:
I’m writing this letter as a concerned former employee of Manitou Springs School District 14. I taught there for 30 years and loved the time spent there and the feeling that I was valued.
It was always said, “Once you join the school district, you become part of the family.” That was always the value held by the employees, no matter their position. Teachers were willing to work in Manitou because of the “family” attitude, knowing that they could make more in other school districts.
I felt that, even after retiring. I was always welcomed back as a speaker, volunteer or even mentor.
There became a shift as employees began to leave, some of their own accord; others were “asked” to leave. It then changed the whole atmosphere of the district. It was felt at all levels.
From the outside looking in, people no longer felt valued for what they were doing.
The past few years have been extremely difficult for all in education, but the shift in atmosphere from the top administration and even the D14 Board of Education didn’t support the added stress of the times.
I’m hearing from parents and students alike that they are considering moving to another school district because of the number of teachers and administrators who have left in the past three years.
The survey supports the high percentage of personnel having left. (Editor’s note: The Stand Up for Manitou group commissioned an outside firm to survey former employees.)
This reflects poorly on the school district. Because approximately 40 percent of the students are choice, this should be very alarming to the administration and BOE.
I urge the BOE and administration to reflect on the information they’ve been given and rethink their practices that are further undermining the value of our school district.
Respectfully,
A former D14 employee
Let’s collaborate to find solutions to D14 turnover
To the editor:
I am writing anonymously since we are a choice family. I am very concerned about recent articles I have read about the District 14 turnover.
I would like to respectfully stress the importance to the community, staff, parents and school board members that we need to find a resolution to the destruction that’s occurring in Manitou School District 14.
Obviously, there will always be an opinion on either side. I feel like the division between the leadership and staff needs serious attention so there can be resolution for the staff and especially for our children.
Yes, there are always going to be staff members who disagree and claim there isn’t even an issue. Maybe, that is because said staff members aren’t being critiqued or criticized in a retaliatory or manipulative manner.
The leadership needs to work WITH the staff to create a better teaching, working and learning environment instead of working against the staff while creating negativity.
I am requesting for the school board members to carefully consider the results, please, from the third-party, very private survey that previous staff have participated in. Facts are facts.
Thank you!
Concerned parent
Editor’s note: The Bulletin ensures anonymity for letter writers who fear retaliation, but we have to know who you are. That information goes no further than the editor.