GPS Teacher Witch Hunt Could Cost Millions!

Is this a case of teacher retaliation that backfired?

Staci Burk warned the other Board members, but did they listen? No. And so now, the board has a major mess on its hands, and the taxpayers will be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Maybe more.

In this case involving the firing of a board certified GPS teacher, on 12/6/2011 Staci Burk argued against the board’s decision to go into Executive Session and allow the governing board’s attorney Clyde Dangerfield to advise the Board concerning the firing of Ms. Sarah Green. Ms. Burk stated that because Mr. Dangerfield was involved in the issues of the case and was a potential witness, it was a conflict of interest. She wanted to postpone the meeting and obtain outside counsel. In fact, the Administration had hired outside counsel for themselves, but then handed the Board GPS’s own attorney Clyde Dangerfield, who was named in the complaint!

Shane Stapley was the only other board member who agreed with Ms. Burk. Staci Burk and Shane Stapley were voted down 3-2 by Lily Tram, EJ Anderson, and Helen Hollands.

(And you thought these three possessed intelligence greater than yours?)

Later in the public meeting, Staci Burk stated, “I move that the allegations presented by the Administration would NOT, if true, provide good cause to dismiss teacher Sarah Green." Her motion died for lack of a second.

To Administration’s rescue, Helen Hollands stated, “I move that the allegations presented by the Administration WOULD, if true, provide good cause to dismiss teacher Sarah Green. “ EJ Anderson chimed in with the second.

Lily Tram, EJ Anderson, Helen Hollands, and Shane Stapley voted in favor. Staci Burk voted NO.

Here’s video of that meeting: GPS Board follows Administrative Advice to fire Teacher.

Since 12/7/2011, Sarah Green has been on “administrative leave,” receiving full salary and benefits. GPS has also had to pay a substitute teacher to take her place.

Was there ever a hearing? No. Why not?

It’s pretty obvious that GPS didn’t have a case against Ms. Green. Did they gamble that she would go simpering into the sunset? Maybe all the other teachers and staff before her did.

One can only wonder what happened that triggered the Board’s most recent actions.

On May 15, 2012, following a very long Executive Session, the board reconvened at around 10:45 pm in a public meeting that had left only a few witnesses left standing, and the following took place:

13.01 Discussion and possible action concerning the resolution of threatened litigation arising from that certain statement of charges dated December 6, 2011.

“I move the Governing Board approve the settlement agreement between the District and Sarah Green presented to the Governing Board or an agreement under substantially similar terms, contingent on acceptance and execution of the agreement by Ms. Green.”

Motion by Staci Burk, second by Blake A Sacha.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: E J Anderson, Lily N Tram, Staci Burk, Helen D Hollands, Blake A Sacha
13.02 Discussion and possible action concerning the withdrawal of that certain statement of charges dated December 6, 2011.

“I move the Governing Board withdraw the statement of charges adopted by the Governing Board on December 6, 2011, contingent on acceptance and execution by Ms. Green of a settlement agreement approved by the Governing Board.”

Motion by Staci Burk, second by Blake A Sacha.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: E J Anderson, Lily N Tram, Staci Burk, Helen D Hollands, Blake A Sacha
Details of settlement not available yet.

We have yet to discover how many hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars this fiasco approved by Lily Tram, EJ Anderson, and Helen Hollands is going to cost us……maybe millions? I’m sure these three would like for this to just…you know….go away.