Quincy parents concerned about school safety issues; speak up at school board meeting
It was standing-room-only Monday at the Quincy school board meeting.
A group of about 50 concerned family members, staff and community members attended, with a dozen listening from the hallway outside the boardroom.
Some attended to address the board, some to learn the outcome. Others expressed concerns as public comment continued.
The major topic was sexual harassment and retaliation between students that results in bullying, threats and an unsafe school environment.
Two parents, whose students are in legal battles, addressed the board, as did the students, who are minors.
First to speak was Vanessa Crandall, who moved her child to the Quincy school district mid-year 2021-22 due to situation that occurred at Bronson schools. The matter is being investigated by the office of civil rights because she believes the principal, superintendent or school board did not take action on the matter.
When Crandall learned the Bronson High School principal was taking the position of Quincy High School principal, she contacted Quincy administrators and fellow Quincy community members, making them aware of the investigation.
She asked the district to follow due-diligence before hiring anyone who has contact with children.
Another parent to speak, Tracey Richer, addressed a similar situation, one that occurred in Quincy. Her student was sexually assaulted off school property and the matter went to Branch County court system. The perpetrator pleaded guilty to felony assault by strangulation, but was not expelled from Quincy schools, Richer said.
Friends of perpetrator bullied, inflicted and threatened bodily harm against her student, Richer said.
“We need a principal that is strong in his morals or her morals, good character, clean record and highly educated in the law,” Richer said. “I’m happy to hear about our second dean of students. Bullying, physical abuse, taunting kids to kill themselves has to stop. I plead with you to get this under control.”
One effort by Quincy to handle unhealthy student behavior is hiring James Lyon, a second dean of students. He will work with students at the middle school and high school.
Quincy did not hire the Bronson principal, but had myriad staff resignations and new hires on the agenda.
One person at the meeting asked why the teacher and staff turnover is so high, questioning if the pay is competitive. Superintendent Marc Kramer said the district has been investing in teachers and staff to keep wages competitive. Turnover is due partly to the age of teachers. When he came to the district, many were veteran teachers in line for retirement.
Turnover also is due to limited and expensive housing in the area, Kramer said. Teachers move on to other opportunities, sometimes back home to save money or with a significant other.
Exit interviews did not show teachers being disgruntled with the district, he said.
The most current teacher resignations are Kim Sterzick and Anna Bobo, high school English teachers; Alyson Dobbins, middle school Spanish teacher; Aimee Fedore, second grade teacher; Courtney Foley, kindergarten teacher.
The most recent academic hires along with Lyon are Haley Crabbs, high school English teacher; Kathleen Waligora, interterm high school English teacher; Tracy McCullough, fifth grade teacher; Katie Harmon and Erica Bassage, elementary teachers; Sherri Hildenbrand interterm supervisor for online students; Anna Brewer, Jennings media specialist.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Keeping the school environment safe — a concern for Quincy parents
