In Brief: Parents Express Concern Over 2-School Principal Appointment; Teacher Layoffs Rescinded

Several concerned parents took a stand Monday night against Superintendent Cheryl Rogers' and one assistant principal to both and elementary schools.

In a heated series of remarks during a public forum at the school board meeting, parents expressed concern with the lack of transparency in the leadership changes.

Rogers sent a letter to parents last week announcing the appointment of Schalm Principal Patricia Pell to both Schalm and Kenwood elementary schools and the hiring of Suzanne Kropfreiter as the assistant principal of both schools. 

Parents said they were not notified of the changes, and many believe it was unethical for Rogers to make the decision without parental input.

"I believe that your methods, your tactics and lack of transparency with creating two new positions is very disheartening," said parent Kris Lamotte before the school board. "I think it is very unethical and a lack of good judgment on your part."

Rogers said she is charged with making appointments for principal and assistant principal in the district's schools and said she believes her decision is in the "best interest of the kids."

The superintendent's goal is to create consistencies at Kenwood and Schalm with curriculum, teacher evaluation, instructional strategies, disciplinary steps, school improvement and other factors, she said.

"I didn't mean to disenfranchise you in this process," Rogers said to parents at the meeting Monday. "This decision is one that I thought I had to make. I don't think it's something that people would normally vote for. Sometimes you have to take the plunge with some faith and trust that what's really at the heart is what's good for our kids."

Teacher layoffs rescinded

Thirteen of the 15 Clawson teachers who received layoff notices this year will be called back to the district. The school board announced Monday that the 2011-12 budget will allow the district to keep those teachers.

Business Services Director Gary Jackson said the with the Clawson teachers union played a major role in the decision to rescind the layoffs. The three-year contract ratification will save the district $2.5 million.

Keep checking the Clawson Patch for a full story on Monday night's school board meeting.