Response to "Open Letter to the Community"

This response is directed to a posting on FORE as well as a letter in Foster's.  This comment is written on their blog but is currently awaiting approval and being moderated.

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The author assumes that our entire district is in a state of collapse and by not acting with swift and immediate action, the community will share collectively in the blame for this accused demise.  This is a bold accusation and one in which I respectfully disagree.  

Our district is not in a state of collapse and assuming so undermines the great teachers, staff, students, volunteers, and parents that collectively contribute and uphold our mission statement.  

The top talent that has left is mostly concentrated at the high school and the community upheaval is also mostly concerned with the high school.  I am hearing no similar reports of Moharimet, Mast Way, and the Middle School suffering with lack of leadership.   In fact, we have strong leaders with long histories at each school - including the high school!

There is another assumption that all our teachers are operating within a state of fear and confusion.  I will also respectfully disagree with this statement. I know our teachers are exceptional professionals more than capable of educating our children through an interim superintendent and the hiring of three top educational leaders. They have done it in the past and I have the utmost faith they will be just fine next year.  Again, the statement presumes to show a lack of faith in our teachers' collective capabilities.

Second, the addressed point to the taxpayers.  If you look at recent reports of the real estate market on the Seacoast, we are doing better than most of the nation.  I also am seeing more young families move into the district and buying houses.  Those that are moving are moving within the district to continue the education here.  I know of a few examples personally (I'm sure there are others) where families have moved from Lee to Durham and within Durham itself.  There is no panic or mass exodus of families - at least in my purview.  Our housing prices have stabilized and with the recent Public Works projects happening now in Durham, I only expect this to help our home values moving forward.  

The next topic I'd like to discuss is the confidentiality clause.  This was a mutual, amicable agreement between the board and Howard Colter.  The board did not act on this one alone.  As the agreement states, we may hear more on June 30th.  

So, yes, while we must rebuild with strong leaders, we must also realize that the absence of three individuals do not propel an entire district and community into darkness.  Assuming so undermines the hard work and contributions of our staff and teachers, propagates fear, uncertainty, and doubt, and does not move our mission forward as a district.  It is very important to attend these meetings and offer input but placing seeds of doubt and future demise only serves to make us take a few steps back.