Posted by
Mr. H on Sunday, June 17, 2007 12:18:13 AM
As a parochial school teacher, I don't have to worry about unions and politics playing into my job. The school board that runs my school on behalf of my church is made up of church members who share a common belief and do their best to make the school run well.
On the flip-side, you have the school board for the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township (MSDPT). Perry Township is the bottom center of Marion County and Indianapolis. This is also the township where my school is located. They voted to suspend the superintendent with pay back in November and he is still suspended with his hearing postponed indefinitely pending a court decision.
The board meetings are both predicable and sadly comical. 4 members have banded together to vote as a bloc that seems to have little regard either for the best interests of township students or for the rule of law. The board vice-president was ruled biased by a federal court judge in regard to the superintendent and subsequently enjoined from voting on his removal. The board, in its typical fashion, is trying to appeal this decision against the advice of their own counsel. Meanwhile, the superintendent is drawing over $15,000 a month in salary and benefits for staying home.
I have been watching this whole matter closely, and all I can do is wish the best for the taxpayers of Perry Township, who will sadly be footing the (expected to be very large) bill for the actions of these misguided four board members. Oh, and my school has open enrollment in grades K-8 for Perry families looking for quality education away from the mess!
Check these links for more information:
The latest news, with links to older stories:
Story from Indy's ABC affiliate, WRTVA grassroots community organization, opposed to the board's actions:
Take Back Perry Schools