Anonymous
09/15/2011 13:58
Subject: RSCC office staff
I’m not understanding this termination at all. Assuming Betsy’s account of the story is factual, I am even more dumbfounded. Shaun, I believe you are doing what you think is right for the center and have our children and the teacher’s interest at heart, but I really don’t understand this. Why would people who love and care for our children on a daily basis not be allowed to “fraternize” with our children and us outside of school? Many teachers already babysit on their own time. I’m sure I’m not in the minority when I say that I would trust almost any of the teachers or directors to watch and care for my children over most of my family members or friends. If the school decided as a whole that this was a policy, then so be it, but to penalize Betsy, who had no malicious intent, I just don’t understand. There really needs to be some governance put into place with the school in regards to HR matters and the board’s roles and responsibilities. Just some checks and balances. Not advocating created a bureaucracy and lots of red tape, but I think if the board was apprised of the situation, the result would have been very different. I think it also unfair to penalize Betsy with a “fire” on her record instead of allowing her to just quit if that was to be the final ruling.
I hope the fact that Betsy had already contacted a lawyer who was ultimately not able to attend a meeting doesn’t end up affecting the school should some sort lawsuit for wrongful termination come about. That will not be a fun silent auction when the school needs to raise $1 million dollars.
I’m wondering as I write this if there really isn’t something else going on, some ulterior motives where the office wanted Betsy out, because this situation really seems ridiculous.
Betsy, I’m so sorry how this all played out. I think you know that most of the parents would not have found issue with you “hanging” with families outside school. I’m sure we would all be more then willing to write you glowing recommendations if you need it.
I hope the fact that Betsy had already contacted a lawyer who was ultimately not able to attend a meeting doesn’t end up affecting the school should some sort lawsuit for wrongful termination come about. That will not be a fun silent auction when the school needs to raise $1 million dollars.
I’m wondering as I write this if there really isn’t something else going on, some ulterior motives where the office wanted Betsy out, because this situation really seems ridiculous.
Betsy, I’m so sorry how this all played out. I think you know that most of the parents would not have found issue with you “hanging” with families outside school. I’m sure we would all be more then willing to write you glowing recommendations if you need it.
Anonymous
09/15/2011 13:37
Subject: RSCC office staff
Good God woman, I hope you cleared that with your attorney before posting it.
Anonymous
09/15/2011 11:25
Subject: Re:RSCC office staff
Betsy, thank you so much for all that you have done for us. We love you, and we miss you very much.
Anonymous
09/15/2011 11:07
Subject: RSCC office staff
Betsy, your kindness and devotion to the kids will be dearly missed. We won't forget what you've done for us!
Anonymous
09/15/2011 10:26
Subject: Re:RSCC office staff
Good luck Betsy!
There's always more than one side to the story, but, that said, I wish that this episode could have been handled better by all involved. Fortunately, I do not think that it affects the day-to-day of my child's wonderful, loving care, and I am still crazy happy with the care and attention that my children have received.
There's always more than one side to the story, but, that said, I wish that this episode could have been handled better by all involved. Fortunately, I do not think that it affects the day-to-day of my child's wonderful, loving care, and I am still crazy happy with the care and attention that my children have received.
Anonymous
09/15/2011 08:00
Subject: RSCC office staff
Which goes back to the issue of parents not being told when or where board meetings are and when asking to attend, having that request denied.
Anonymous
09/15/2011 07:28
Subject: RSCC office staff
Betsy, Thanks so much for this much needed info. My "take away" is that RSCC has lost one of it's most valuable assets because she wanted to have the freedom to associate with parents during her own time and she felt that the full board should be more involved in major policy decisions. What a real travesty! Good luck!
Anonymous
09/15/2011 06:43
Subject: RSCC office staff
Good Luck Betsy!!
Eboardman
09/15/2011 01:06
Subject: Re:RSCC office staff
Dear RSCC Community:
I want to post information about my recent departure from RSCC for the benefit of the entire school community. Please note that this is the first time that I am posting on this thread.
For the past six years I have been Program Director for the RSCC community where I was reminded on a daily basis, as I saw and worked with RSCC children and families, what a gift it was to be involved in the care and development of your beautiful children.
As you might expect, my tenure at RSCC has been full of learning experiences, overcoming obstacles and professional growth. Over the summer, however, I was told by the School’s President that I would be no longer allowed to have contact with families outside of normal school hours or events. This was new and it appears that it was being directed only to me and not to all directors and school administrators.
I told the President and Executive Director that I did not agree with this policy as I felt as if the community atmosphere that we are constantly promoting can only be strengthened when families feel a real connection with the administration and school as a whole. I also felt singled out as this policy appeared to have been directed only at me. I brought the issue up with Executive Director who appeared to agree with me that if this was to be a policy, it should be approved by the school Board of Directors. Two months went by without any further discussion about this issue.
On August 16, 2011 I had my annual review. Prior to the review, I was sent an email from the President stating I would be getting my full 3% raise. Upon entering the review, where I was told by both the School’s President and Executive Director that my performance was excellent, I was performing my job in a professional and efficient manner and that I had made great improvements on the minor struggles that had been raised at last year’s review. We also had a discussion about relationships with families outside of the school setting; I stated then, as I had previously, that I believed that if this was to be School policy it should be approved by the Board and applied to the whole administration. The School’s President said he disagreed and we had a discussion about this disagreement until we agreed to adjourn the meeting until the following week.
After that discussion, I began to feel like my employment at RSCC might be jeopardy and I sought counsel to help see if we could mediate the situation and to provide me with an advocate at that meeting. My attorney contacted the School’s President and requested that the remainder of my review be postponed a week so that he could have time to get up to speed on the issue and be present during the meeting. He was told that there was no need for counsel to be at the meeting as it was simply a continuation of the review and was an internal process. Acting in good faith, I agreed and attended the meeting.
Upon entering the meeting on August 23, 2011, I was told by the School’s President and Executive Director that he and the Executive Director believed we had reached a professional crossroads. I asked if this meant that they were firing me. They asked me to leave the room so they might talk and, upon my return, the School’s President said that they did not see a way past this issue and that I was, in fact, being terminated.
The School’s President asked me what I thought was the best way to handle this situation. My suggestion was to continue my employment for a finite period of time while I looked for another job. This would allow for a smooth transition for the school and would not create a detrimental lapse of employment on my record. I was then asked to leave the room again and when I returned, the School’s President said that they felt like it was not possible for me to remain an active employee as they felt like our relationship would only get worse from that point forward. I was terminated effective immediately. The School’s President then mentioned that a letter would be sent to the families about my departure; to which I stated that I did not want a letter sent without my approval. That afternoon a letter was sent without my having seen it.
I have been with RSCC in total over 7 years and have been privileged to have had an important role in the development of this fine institution.
Since my termination I have feelings of loss at not having daily interactions with the children and families at RSCC. My abrupt departure did not allow closure for me, and I believe parents and most importantly, the children. While we are still in the process of dealing with this situation on a legal level, it appears to me that the lack of transparency about this matter and the situation that has led to my having been terminated could adversely affect RSCC.
My experience has been that RSCC has been an institution composed of people who care deeply about the RSCC children and families, the mission of the school and the professional development and personal growth of its teachers. RSCC, in my experience has created a lifelong love of learning in the next generation of leaders, politicians, fireman and ballerinas.
I believe that parents should be aware of the circumstances surrounding my leaving, especially the Board.
I believe I have left RSCC a little better then when I started. I would love to be in contact with families and am available to offer any sort of “goodbye” that you feel your family or child may need.
My personal email address is elizabethpboardman@gmail.com.
Take care,
Betsy
I want to post information about my recent departure from RSCC for the benefit of the entire school community. Please note that this is the first time that I am posting on this thread.
For the past six years I have been Program Director for the RSCC community where I was reminded on a daily basis, as I saw and worked with RSCC children and families, what a gift it was to be involved in the care and development of your beautiful children.
As you might expect, my tenure at RSCC has been full of learning experiences, overcoming obstacles and professional growth. Over the summer, however, I was told by the School’s President that I would be no longer allowed to have contact with families outside of normal school hours or events. This was new and it appears that it was being directed only to me and not to all directors and school administrators.
I told the President and Executive Director that I did not agree with this policy as I felt as if the community atmosphere that we are constantly promoting can only be strengthened when families feel a real connection with the administration and school as a whole. I also felt singled out as this policy appeared to have been directed only at me. I brought the issue up with Executive Director who appeared to agree with me that if this was to be a policy, it should be approved by the school Board of Directors. Two months went by without any further discussion about this issue.
On August 16, 2011 I had my annual review. Prior to the review, I was sent an email from the President stating I would be getting my full 3% raise. Upon entering the review, where I was told by both the School’s President and Executive Director that my performance was excellent, I was performing my job in a professional and efficient manner and that I had made great improvements on the minor struggles that had been raised at last year’s review. We also had a discussion about relationships with families outside of the school setting; I stated then, as I had previously, that I believed that if this was to be School policy it should be approved by the Board and applied to the whole administration. The School’s President said he disagreed and we had a discussion about this disagreement until we agreed to adjourn the meeting until the following week.
After that discussion, I began to feel like my employment at RSCC might be jeopardy and I sought counsel to help see if we could mediate the situation and to provide me with an advocate at that meeting. My attorney contacted the School’s President and requested that the remainder of my review be postponed a week so that he could have time to get up to speed on the issue and be present during the meeting. He was told that there was no need for counsel to be at the meeting as it was simply a continuation of the review and was an internal process. Acting in good faith, I agreed and attended the meeting.
Upon entering the meeting on August 23, 2011, I was told by the School’s President and Executive Director that he and the Executive Director believed we had reached a professional crossroads. I asked if this meant that they were firing me. They asked me to leave the room so they might talk and, upon my return, the School’s President said that they did not see a way past this issue and that I was, in fact, being terminated.
The School’s President asked me what I thought was the best way to handle this situation. My suggestion was to continue my employment for a finite period of time while I looked for another job. This would allow for a smooth transition for the school and would not create a detrimental lapse of employment on my record. I was then asked to leave the room again and when I returned, the School’s President said that they felt like it was not possible for me to remain an active employee as they felt like our relationship would only get worse from that point forward. I was terminated effective immediately. The School’s President then mentioned that a letter would be sent to the families about my departure; to which I stated that I did not want a letter sent without my approval. That afternoon a letter was sent without my having seen it.
I have been with RSCC in total over 7 years and have been privileged to have had an important role in the development of this fine institution.
Since my termination I have feelings of loss at not having daily interactions with the children and families at RSCC. My abrupt departure did not allow closure for me, and I believe parents and most importantly, the children. While we are still in the process of dealing with this situation on a legal level, it appears to me that the lack of transparency about this matter and the situation that has led to my having been terminated could adversely affect RSCC.
My experience has been that RSCC has been an institution composed of people who care deeply about the RSCC children and families, the mission of the school and the professional development and personal growth of its teachers. RSCC, in my experience has created a lifelong love of learning in the next generation of leaders, politicians, fireman and ballerinas.
I believe that parents should be aware of the circumstances surrounding my leaving, especially the Board.
I believe I have left RSCC a little better then when I started. I would love to be in contact with families and am available to offer any sort of “goodbye” that you feel your family or child may need.
My personal email address is elizabethpboardman@gmail.com.
Take care,
Betsy
Anonymous
09/14/2011 22:06
Subject: RSCC office staff
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:RSCC is doing GREAT with or without her. Yes, she will be missed but we should all just let it go and stop being so disrespectful to one another. Its too soon to say the center isn't running right and blah blah, let time go by and see how wonderful it runs.
100% agree!!!
Definitely agree!!! i hope that the whole “ BETSY situation” doesn't ruin our potluck. Remember is all about our child happiness and its good for us to know how much their teachers love them. Also show them that we really appreciate everything they do for our children.
Anonymous
09/14/2011 21:50
Subject: RSCC office staff
Anonymous wrote:RSCC is doing GREAT with or without her. Yes, she will be missed but we should all just let it go and stop being so disrespectful to one another. Its too soon to say the center isn't running right and blah blah, let time go by and see how wonderful it runs.
100% agree!!!
Anonymous
09/14/2011 19:42
Subject: RSCC office staff
RSCC is doing GREAT with or without her. Yes, she will be missed but we should all just let it go and stop being so disrespectful to one another. Its too soon to say the center isn't running right and blah blah, let time go by and see how wonderful it runs.
Anonymous
09/14/2011 08:22
Subject: Re:RSCC office staff
Anonymous wrote:Wow, it seems real childish to see some of us parents (obviously not including my self) disrepect the people where our children attend on a daily basis. First, we have here someone saying that a post seemed like as if it was written by a teacher because of grammer, and now we have someone else disrespecting one of the directors! Seriously! You all are not acting like grown educated professionals that you appear to be when you present yourselfs to the school every morning and evening at drop off and pick up. All of this attacking the office and the center makes you worse than a high schooler. I guess its true what they say, you don't have to have a Bachelors, Master, PhD etc. To know how to act civil and mature. Grow up people and stop behaving worse than your children. Nasty attitudes won't get you anywhere nor will it make this situation any better. Let the flame burn out and let it go!!!!!
I posted about the grammar. You misread. I said the attitude about how Betsy wasn't as important because she didn't interact with every child daily and the reference to "we" sounded like a teacher. Then I said I hoped it WASN'T because the grammar and spelling were awful. I love my son's teachers and would never disrespect them.
Anonymous
09/13/2011 22:39
Subject: RSCC office staff
Maybe I'll just bring popcorn to the potluck and watch the unrest.
I don't understand why folks are so afraid to discuss concerns with the office. Perhaps I've been lucky but all my interactions with everyone there have been super positive.
I don't understand why folks are so afraid to discuss concerns with the office. Perhaps I've been lucky but all my interactions with everyone there have been super positive.
Anonymous
09/13/2011 22:06
Subject: RSCC office staff
Anonymous wrote:Better yet 21:53...parents go the direct route...geez!
Don't let PP intimidate you.
Explain yourself please...