MOCO BOE update: Beidleman Report summary

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Jackson Lewis
Even less independent

https://parentscoalitionmc.blogspot.com/2023/09/update-jackson-lewis-pc-paid-48693-and.html?m=1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Jackson Lewis
Even less independent

https://parentscoalitionmc.blogspot.com/2023/09/update-jackson-lewis-pc-paid-48693-and.html?m=1

Is this a credible news source or a very biased crank that is only capable of finding fault?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My guess is Jackson Lewis's statement is based on the notion that there is no proof that BOE members saw the email. Not that it was never sent.

+1. This is what their footnote says: "After searching the MCPS servers and interviewing several witnesses, Jackson Lewis found that neither the Superintendent nor the Board received an alleged May 3, 2022 anonymous email and a May 9, 2022 email from an MCEA representative containing anonymous allegations."

MCEA: "We, also, find it curious that Jackson Lewis uncovered 30,000+ documents during their investigation, but somehow could not find emails sent by MCEA members and staff to the Board of Education, MCPS, and Superintendent McKnight outlining the harassment claims."

Where are the emails?

Maybe they're imaginary?

Arguing over whether McKnight and the BOE received the emails is a distraction and exactly what McKnight and the BOE want people to do. But whether she received them is immaterial. In either scenario, McKnight was incompetent or willfully neglected her duty. Not receiving the emails at all is actually worse if you prefer the Jackson Lewis narrative.

Well then why is MCEA making an issue of it?

They're not. Someone asked them to produce the emails so they did. But in either scenario, McKnight breached her contract and gave the board separate cause to fire her under state law, so it really doesn't matter. Notice how the board has been meeting in closed session without her? They can only do that if they're discussing her performance evaluation, contract, or termination. It's out of cycle for her evaluation and her contract isn't up for 2.5 more years. That means they're talking about firing her.

And who would they replace her with? Sine underling who is equally culpable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Jackson Lewis
Even less independent

https://parentscoalitionmc.blogspot.com/2023/09/update-jackson-lewis-pc-paid-48693-and.html?m=1

Is this a credible news source or a very biased crank that is only capable of finding fault?

No, the Board of Ed is not credible.

It is their documents, so they must be lying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My guess is Jackson Lewis's statement is based on the notion that there is no proof that BOE members saw the email. Not that it was never sent.

+1. This is what their footnote says: "After searching the MCPS servers and interviewing several witnesses, Jackson Lewis found that neither the Superintendent nor the Board received an alleged May 3, 2022 anonymous email and a May 9, 2022 email from an MCEA representative containing anonymous allegations."

MCEA: "We, also, find it curious that Jackson Lewis uncovered 30,000+ documents during their investigation, but somehow could not find emails sent by MCEA members and staff to the Board of Education, MCPS, and Superintendent McKnight outlining the harassment claims."

Where are the emails?

Maybe they're imaginary?

Arguing over whether McKnight and the BOE received the emails is a distraction and exactly what McKnight and the BOE want people to do. But whether she received them is immaterial. In either scenario, McKnight was incompetent or willfully neglected her duty. Not receiving the emails at all is actually worse if you prefer the Jackson Lewis narrative.

Well then why is MCEA making an issue of it?

They're not. Someone asked them to produce the emails so they did. But in either scenario, McKnight breached her contract and gave the board separate cause to fire her under state law, so it really doesn't matter. Notice how the board has been meeting in closed session without her? They can only do that if they're discussing her performance evaluation, contract, or termination. It's out of cycle for her evaluation and her contract isn't up for 2.5 more years. That means they're talking about firing her.

And who would they replace her with? Sine underling who is equally culpable?

You’re right to worry that she has tainted the entire organization through misfeasance. The BOE will probably need to bring on someone from the academic side as acting (not the HR or governance parts of MCPS, because those people also need to be terminated) or a retired administrator. Lack of a perfect acting super doesn’t mean the BOE has to keep McKnight. The fact this has tainted so many people is one of the reasons she has to go. The BOE needs to send a message and accountability has to start at the top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Do you really expect a part time Board with limited staffing to research every appointment in MCPS??? Jackson Lewis is a law firm that has been hired. Their obligation is to do a job and provide the report to the board and advise their client of the best course of action.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It all trickles down. Many principals have teachers on their staff who had been put on administrative leave after a complaint and then returned to their building whenever central office decided it was safe to do so, safe meaning that they didn’t expect anyone to make noise about the teacher’s return. Many principals don’t ask questions when the person comes back, they just take them back. If a principal does make noise about it, which principled ones do, then the teacher will be shipped off to another school. All MCPS principals know it’s just a waiting game and no one is investigating anything. They also know the teachers who are returned to the building dont get any harassment training. These principals are complicit in this horrible culture we have to work in too.

It all trickles down from the top. Is it in the MCPS training or just an unspoken rule that plays out over and over so staff learn the practice?

I bet the Jackson Lewis report and whomever becomes the fall guy for Beidleman will have answers as to how so many in MCPS just stood by and let Beidleman kept sexually harassing and bullying his staff.

The Jackson Lewis report won’t have these answers. Jackson Lewis was hired to represent the board in the investigation, not to conduct an independent investigation. Jackson Lewis will protect the board and whoever in management that the board wants to be protected.

Jackson Lewis:
"There is no evidence that the Board was aware of the pending MCPS investigation, the disposition of that investigation, and/or any other allegations relating to Dr. Beidleman prior to its June 27, 2023 promotional decision.“

The BOE paid Jackson Lewis for this statement.

Yes, that statement was worth every penny of the bill. Too bad for MCPS it got knocked down within days.

What was "knocked down"?

The claim that no one got any of the emails.

The claim being made was about the Board, not "no one."

Give it up. The board and superintendent either got those emails (passed up the chain by the employee who acknowledged receipt) or they run an extremely dysfunctional organization that’s indifferent to victims. Pick your narrative. Neither is worthy of Montgomery County.

If you have the full email to the board please share it. Otherwise stop claiming there is any proof.

OK. Let's say she didn't know. The complaint got buried in her organization along with all the others because her organization is poorly governed and doesn't follow its own written policies. What does that say about her fitness as a leader and manager?

It says nothing unless the situation had been brought to her attention and she did nothing or it’s a repeated problem under her leadership.

Did you even read the Jackson Lewis report? Promotions, which she is responsible for overseeing, were systemically broken. Sexual harassment reporting and investigation, which she is responsible for overseeing, were systematically broken. Those were both repeated problems under her leadership.

I understand language. If a process is broken it could mean that a leader and several others potentially are unaware of a problem, not necessarily that they are ignoring or doing nothing about it. Now if the problem is brought to a leaders attention [like now] and they still do nothing about it, then the leader bears culpability. While it is true that the bucks stops at a good leader, it is also true that it’s impossible for a leader of a large organization to be involved in every decision or know everything that goes in.

The question was what does this say about McKnight, and the answer is that until evidence arises that she was informed of the problem(s) and shown do to have ignored and not taken steps to correct the process/problem/culture, then it’s shows nothing beyond a problem exist that she needs to take responsibility to ensure is corrected.

That’s not me protecting McKnight, that’s me being logical and rational.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Do you really expect a part time Board with limited staffing to research every appointment in MCPS??? Jackson Lewis is a law firm that has been hired. Their obligation is to do a job and provide the report to the board and advise their client of the best course of action.

Does every appointment in MCPS go before the Board?

However, yes, I expect the Board to take the time to consider the matters that they are responsible for voting for. It’s a dereliction of duty to not make informed decisions before casting a vote or to abstain from votes simply so the Board has a unanimous decision.

The Board should have turned the matter over to the IGs offices instead of hiring representation by Jackson Lewis. The Board has broken its promise for transparency and accountability. The current Board is a large part of the problem because they have neglected their oversight responsibilities of MCPS. They have allowed MCPS administrators to have unlimited power to abuse staff for years without any oversight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My guess is Jackson Lewis's statement is based on the notion that there is no proof that BOE members saw the email. Not that it was never sent.

+1. This is what their footnote says: "After searching the MCPS servers and interviewing several witnesses, Jackson Lewis found that neither the Superintendent nor the Board received an alleged May 3, 2022 anonymous email and a May 9, 2022 email from an MCEA representative containing anonymous allegations."

MCEA: "We, also, find it curious that Jackson Lewis uncovered 30,000+ documents during their investigation, but somehow could not find emails sent by MCEA members and staff to the Board of Education, MCPS, and Superintendent McKnight outlining the harassment claims."

Where are the emails?

Maybe they're imaginary?

Arguing over whether McKnight and the BOE received the emails is a distraction and exactly what McKnight and the BOE want people to do. But whether she received them is immaterial. In either scenario, McKnight was incompetent or willfully neglected her duty. Not receiving the emails at all is actually worse if you prefer the Jackson Lewis narrative.

Well then why is MCEA making an issue of it?

They're not. Someone asked them to produce the emails so they did. But in either scenario, McKnight breached her contract and gave the board separate cause to fire her under state law, so it really doesn't matter. Notice how the board has been meeting in closed session without her? They can only do that if they're discussing her performance evaluation, contract, or termination. It's out of cycle for her evaluation and her contract isn't up for 2.5 more years. That means they're talking about firing her.

And who would they replace her with? Sine underling who is equally culpable?

You’re right to worry that she has tainted the entire organization through misfeasance. The BOE will probably need to bring on someone from the academic side as acting (not the HR or governance parts of MCPS, because those people also need to be terminated) or a retired administrator. Lack of a perfect acting super doesn’t mean the BOE has to keep McKnight. The fact this has tainted so many people is one of the reasons she has to go. The BOE needs to send a message and accountability has to start at the top.

Excellent post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It all trickles down. Many principals have teachers on their staff who had been put on administrative leave after a complaint and then returned to their building whenever central office decided it was safe to do so, safe meaning that they didn’t expect anyone to make noise about the teacher’s return. Many principals don’t ask questions when the person comes back, they just take them back. If a principal does make noise about it, which principled ones do, then the teacher will be shipped off to another school. All MCPS principals know it’s just a waiting game and no one is investigating anything. They also know the teachers who are returned to the building dont get any harassment training. These principals are complicit in this horrible culture we have to work in too.

It all trickles down from the top. Is it in the MCPS training or just an unspoken rule that plays out over and over so staff learn the practice?

I bet the Jackson Lewis report and whomever becomes the fall guy for Beidleman will have answers as to how so many in MCPS just stood by and let Beidleman kept sexually harassing and bullying his staff.

The Jackson Lewis report won’t have these answers. Jackson Lewis was hired to represent the board in the investigation, not to conduct an independent investigation. Jackson Lewis will protect the board and whoever in management that the board wants to be protected.

Jackson Lewis:
"There is no evidence that the Board was aware of the pending MCPS investigation, the disposition of that investigation, and/or any other allegations relating to Dr. Beidleman prior to its June 27, 2023 promotional decision.“

The BOE paid Jackson Lewis for this statement.

Yes, that statement was worth every penny of the bill. Too bad for MCPS it got knocked down within days.

What was "knocked down"?

The claim that no one got any of the emails.

The claim being made was about the Board, not "no one."

Give it up. The board and superintendent either got those emails (passed up the chain by the employee who acknowledged receipt) or they run an extremely dysfunctional organization that’s indifferent to victims. Pick your narrative. Neither is worthy of Montgomery County.

If you have the full email to the board please share it. Otherwise stop claiming there is any proof.

OK. Let's say she didn't know. The complaint got buried in her organization along with all the others because her organization is poorly governed and doesn't follow its own written policies. What does that say about her fitness as a leader and manager?

It says nothing unless the situation had been brought to her attention and she did nothing or it’s a repeated problem under her leadership.

Did you even read the Jackson Lewis report? Promotions, which she is responsible for overseeing, were systemically broken. Sexual harassment reporting and investigation, which she is responsible for overseeing, were systematically broken. Those were both repeated problems under her leadership.

I understand language. If a process is broken it could mean that a leader and several others potentially are unaware of a problem, not necessarily that they are ignoring or doing nothing about it. Now if the problem is brought to a leaders attention [like now] and they still do nothing about it, then the leader bears culpability. While it is true that the bucks stops at a good leader, it is also true that it’s impossible for a leader of a large organization to be involved in every decision or know everything that goes in.

The question was what does this say about McKnight, and the answer is that until evidence arises that she was informed of the problem(s) and shown do to have ignored and not taken steps to correct the process/problem/culture, then it’s shows nothing beyond a problem exist that she needs to take responsibility to ensure is corrected.

That’s not me protecting McKnight, that’s me being logical and rational.

I have higher expectations of leaders. If policies are systematically ignored, especially important ones that establish safe working and learning environments, it’s the leader’s job to know that and fix that. It’s also the leader’s job to establish tone and culture. Culture is a direct reflection of leaders. Leaders are responsible for making sure organizations are running well, not merely for fixing problems as they find out about them. That standard is fine for a worker. But as a leader, it was her job to know. If she didn’t know, then she wasn’t doing her job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Do you really expect a part time Board with limited staffing to research every appointment in MCPS??? Jackson Lewis is a law firm that has been hired. Their obligation is to do a job and provide the report to the board and advise their client of the best course of action.

Does every appointment in MCPS go before the Board?

However, yes, I expect the Board to take the time to consider the matters that they are responsible for voting for. It’s a dereliction of duty to not make informed decisions before casting a vote or to abstain from votes simply so the Board has a unanimous decision.

The Board should have turned the matter over to the IGs offices instead of hiring representation by Jackson Lewis. The Board has broken its promise for transparency and accountability. The current Board is a large part of the problem because they have neglected their oversight responsibilities of MCPS. They have allowed MCPS administrators to have unlimited power to abuse staff for years without any oversight.

Appointments for principals and higher positions go before the board for approval. They get some info about the recommended candidates from McKnight's office before they vote. But they don't have access to people's personnel files.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Jackson Lewis
Even less independent

https://parentscoalitionmc.blogspot.com/2023/09/update-jackson-lewis-pc-paid-48693-and.html?m=1

Is this a credible news source or a very biased crank that is only capable of finding fault?

It's a very biased crank who is only capable of finding fault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Do you really expect a part time Board with limited staffing to research every appointment in MCPS??? Jackson Lewis is a law firm that has been hired. Their obligation is to do a job and provide the report to the board and advise their client of the best course of action.

Does every appointment in MCPS go before the Board?

However, yes, I expect the Board to take the time to consider the matters that they are responsible for voting for. It’s a dereliction of duty to not make informed decisions before casting a vote or to abstain from votes simply so the Board has a unanimous decision.

The Board should have turned the matter over to the IGs offices instead of hiring representation by Jackson Lewis. The Board has broken its promise for transparency and accountability. The current Board is a large part of the problem because they have neglected their oversight responsibilities of MCPS. They have allowed MCPS administrators to have unlimited power to abuse staff for years without any oversight.

The board established policies to prevent things like this from happening. That’s their job. They’re part time and not in charge of operations. The board has one employee: the superintendent. Everyone else works for the superintendent. If the board ever expects its policies to be followed, they need to hold their one and only employee accountable. If they don’t, the resulting free for all will be even worse than what led to this mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just think what it takes to protect someone like Biedleman. So many people were aware of the allegations. Presumably, not all of them were his buddies. Some of them probably thought the whole situation was messed up. Did they feel empowered to complain about the people who were protecting him? Honestly if this is a case of a few bad apples, then I am Mickey Mouse. MCPS is rotten at the core. McKnight absolutely must have known, probably about Biedleman specifically but definitely about the culture that allowed him to stay. No way he's the only one. Every second that goes by without her being fired is a disgrace and an insult to teachers and students.

I agree with most of your points, however, the Board of Education bears a lot of blame as well. They blindly accepted MCPS’s decision to promote Beidleman just like they rubber stamp most of what MCPS wants them to. There’s no oversight of the Superintendent so they have been complacent in creating the toxicity within the school system that would condone school administrators who sexually harassed staff.

As concerned citizens all we can do is not support their candidacy the next time they run for re-election and support a candidate that runs against them. Same for anybody on the County Council that remains silent solidarity with Jackson Lewis and MCPS in regards to the lack of transparency and accountability.

Do you really expect a part time Board with limited staffing to research every appointment in MCPS??? Jackson Lewis is a law firm that has been hired. Their obligation is to do a job and provide the report to the board and advise their client of the best course of action.

Does every appointment in MCPS go before the Board?

However, yes, I expect the Board to take the time to consider the matters that they are responsible for voting for. It’s a dereliction of duty to not make informed decisions before casting a vote or to abstain from votes simply so the Board has a unanimous decision.

The Board should have turned the matter over to the IGs offices instead of hiring representation by Jackson Lewis. The Board has broken its promise for transparency and accountability. The current Board is a large part of the problem because they have neglected their oversight responsibilities of MCPS. They have allowed MCPS administrators to have unlimited power to abuse staff for years without any oversight.

The board established policies to prevent things like this from happening. That’s their job. They’re part time and not in charge of operations. The board has one employee: the superintendent. Everyone else works for the superintendent. If the board ever expects its policies to be followed, they need to hold their one and only employee accountable. If they don’t, the resulting free for all will be even worse than what led to this mess.

I understand the larger point you're making, but it's not true to say that the board has only one employee.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/directory/directory_Boxoffice.aspx?processlevel=10711