Leadership. An effective leader is a person who does the following:

1.Creates an inspiring vision of the future.

2.Motivates and inspires people to engage with that vision.

3.Manages delivery of the vision.

4.Coaches and builds a team, so that it is more effective at achieving the vision.

Reflecting on the last 18 month, this does not describe the approach and behaviors exhibited by our current board and administration.

The “how” we do things is equally as important as the “what” we do. A hostile working environment is not an environment that provides quality education for our children. Our administrators and teachers need to feel valued and accountable to delivering there best each and every day. What our teachers and administrators have had to endure while working through this “change” is unacceptable. Intimidation, fear, being demeaned in front of peers, being disregarded, no collaboration and retaliation for speaking up or against a situation to name a few. The disrespect, lack of listening and disregard for the community’s concerns is unacceptable. Countless attempts to ask questions, to seek information, to ask for accountability and action, and nothing happens. No questions, no conversation among the board at the open meetings about anything. This path and these actions need to change, for the health of our district and for our children’s education. The only way forward is together.

The best ideas and our greatness as a district over decades has come from trust, collaboration, high expectations for students and staff, welcoming our differences and working together to give our children the best education possible. This is what makes the most powerful positive “change.”

As a community, we are passionate and united by one thing and that is the education of our children in this district. The board and the superintendent are ultimately responsible for that and their behavior and choices matter. We are losing talented people in this district that have made a tremendous impact and were part of making us great, and I am sure if nothing changes we are sure to lose more teachers, administrators and students.

Any good leader is not afraid to listen, adjust, take action and move forward courageously. This path we are on is not leading us to continued greatness, it ls leading us to failure, bankruptcy and utter embarrassment within the region and state.

Are you prepared for that to be your legacy?

Sincerely,

Laura Davis, Algoma Township