Concerned Parent : Continued...

By: Lindsay Council Part II

Renata,

Just wanted to let your readers know that I made a mistake in stating Dr. Bailey was the Interim Superintendent during the amendment of said policies. I was getting my years mixed up. For that I was wrong. Let me also say for the record that I have nothing against Dr. Bailey, as I have never worked with her.

I also wanted to respond to your responses. As we may agree to disagree, I actually read the OFAC report differently than you and probably others. This is why I say this is a poorly written document.

Renata’s Response: I’m thinking maybe we need to have a public reread and discussion about OFAC and what it says, implies etc… because it appears there are many folks that have a different take on this document.

Even though the report does not say “HR” or “human resources” played a part in the irregularities – they did. With Dr. Gallon becoming an official PPS employee 7/1/08 – he had no legal authority to require, demand or mandate Dr. Bailey to entertain the letters of interest and resumes she received in June. Unless the board attorney or state statue says otherwise, Dr. Bailey could not and should not have been reprimanded for not “going” along with Gallon’s directives.

Renata’s Response: As you said – we will absolutely agree to disagree. Let’s see you have a boss coming on board “officially” July 1, but they send you directives prior to their arrival – which OFTEN happens and you would not think they have the authority to require, demand or mandate – that defies the human mind to protect one’s turf –in this instance your JOB. You see he was already contracted…signed and sealed. It was proofed and evident that he was moving within the district since February of 08 so for one to not understand the mindset of employees to adhere to directives of Dr. Gallon prior to his PHYSICAL presence is quite frankly – unrealistic.

I’m also not forgetting that Dr. Gallon did what he wanted to do around the entire process of employing these women and subsequently changing positions to benefit the need to keep them on staff. As a human resources professional, Dr. Bailey had a duty to inform the Board and the County Superintendent of Dr. Gallon’s “demands” prior to his official start date. Based on the fact that Kelly and Borge both lacked the most important qualifications of their positions, I can’t see why the County Superintendent would not put a stop to it. I unfortunately cannot say how the Board would’ve responded to the information. So my questions are:

1. What did Dr. Bailey do with the letters of interest and resumes when she received them?

2. Did she or someone on her staff review the documents to see if the individuals met the qualifications for the positions?

3. Who completed the sheet that is on file for Kelly that states “possessed a MS – Mathematics Education”?

4. Did Dr. Bailey reach out to Board members once she found out that they approved the appointments without Dr. Gallon obtaining a signature from HR?

Renata’s Response: I know that Dr. Bailey supplied the County with documents ergo the County’s requirement to rescind their contracts. That information was strictly driven by HR and guess what – Dr. Bailey was penalized by being stripped of her duties for doing – what as you say were her professional duties to report. And the Board as a MAJORITY allowed it to happen. Remember Dr. Bailey ALSO advised 5 of them of the current certification issues. They opted to wait on some “report” findings as if HR didn’t know what the status was…

I understand the human resources role in education differs from that of corporate America, however, the expectations of doing what is fair, right and ethical remain the same. It is very unfortunate that the Board allowed Gallon to take duties away from the human resources area or even Dr. Bailey’s control, when they are true functions within HR.

Unfortunately, I am not privy to personnel information and cannot give names of individuals who were either promoted or hired into positions, under Dr. Bailey, that lack the qualifications and/or certifications. Lenny Cathcart, charged Dr. Gallon with going back to ensure that everyone who is in their position is supposed to be there. Not sure if this is something you as a Board member can do on your own but I think it would be a very good exercise, not just to prove or disprove the hiring procedures specifically under Dr. Bailey but to make sure that people are in jobs they meet ALL of the requirements to be in.

Renata’s Response: We intend to insure that the district develops a process that will verify current as well as future certification statuses within all positions that require same. I don’t think any Board Member would want to see this ever happen again!

Lastly, no it is not a boss’s responsibility to “make” people develop to their full potential; but a real boss, who wants to see their staff grow, would provide opportunities for development and encourage/recommend it. If in fact Dr. Bailey provided/encouraged/recommended these opportunities, one would think that there is someone in the human resources department who would have the knowledge and capability to stand in as an interim until a permanent person steps in. Have representatives within human resources been asked about their interest in filling the void? This position has been vacant for sometime but from what I have seen, there was no posting put up to let individuals know that the district was looking to fill that void. It was only after the appointment of the current interim superintendent that we (the public – and not through hearsay) heard about appointing someone in HR.

Renata’s Response: With all due respect SGIII had taken over the HR duties within the scope of his position; so in effect there was not a vacancy to post. The interim CSA upon her arrival  felt as though this was neither appropriate nor effective, and as such opted to fill an interim position until such time it is determined what capacity of HR leadership is required for this district. Once that is determined/decided the job will be posted for all those qualified to apply to apply.

Since transferring my children back into the district, I take interest in everything that goes on. If you or any board member would like for me to be a part of any committee, feel free to give me a call, as I do not have a problem with providing constructive feedback and providing alternatives. I’m not one to just complain without giving true-to-life suggestions that can be implemented.

Renata’s Response: If I thought you were one of those noise-makers with no substance I would have never dedicated two of my blog postings to respond to your concerns. I appreciate your input, respect your need for clarity and transparency and look forward to working with you on future community projects.