Chris Kolb's open letter to JCPS principals and staff is deeply condescending, disrespectful
Imagine writing to educational leaders just a couple years after the COVID pandemic, lockdowns and NTI that they may “not be up to the task of leading through what will be a rapidly evolving environment.” Yet, this is exactly what District 2 board member Chris Kolb, Ph.D, wrote in an open letter to district principals the day after the JCPS Board of Education meeting on May 7.
Throughout much of his letter Kolb, spoke condescendingly to a group of school leaders who have earned their positions through education, experience and hard work. He questioned their motivations and their ability to adapt in times of change. A recent Courier Journal article posed the question, “Does JCPS have a culture of fear and retaliation?” The article featured a decades-long employee’s experience of possible retaliation in the work environment. It also cited the Prismatic audit, which described a “corporate culture” of fear among JCPS employees. Kolb’s open letter felt as if this type of culture may penetrate much more deeply.
A JCPS audit confirms the busing system is a disaster. But we already knew that.
Imagine writing in a letter to a group of principals who have led school buildings through a year of transportation mishaps and mismanagement that speaking up for their schools in front of the BOE that “aspects of these messages have been, unintentionally or not, misleading and are contributing to a damaging narrative about JCPS.” JCPS hired an outside auditor to review the transportation debacle in August for nearly $225,000 and have largely ignored many of the results of that audit. Principals and school staff have worked together to adapt to late buses, absent students, and long days due to transportation issues. Yet, when they voice their concerns over upcoming transportation options, they are “contributing to a damaging narrative”?
JCPS school board member's intimidating letter to principals was an extreme abuse of power
Imagine telling any JCPS staff member, “If I was Dr. Polio, I would be apoplectic with several of you whom Dr. Polio has himself hired, promoted, or kept on through the years.” Yet, once again, that is just what board member Kolb wrote in his letter. How can any staff member feel safe in speaking their concerns in front of the board again?
I am sure the decision to talk to the board was not taken lightly by these principals and is never taken lightly by any JCPS staff member. Kolb’s response is not only disappointing, but hugely concerning in light of the audit findings and a need for employees to trust that their opinions and concerns are not only valued by our board members, but won’t be immediately maligned.
Kim Dwyer is a School Social Worker with Jefferson County Public Schools. I live in Prospect with my husband and 2 dogs. I have 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JCPS board member’s letter to principals is deeply condescending
