I too hoped that former Principal Matt Harnett had potential.  I admired that he respected Gale Toensing and that their relationship was about improving education.  Last year Matt and I traded calls going into one of his Steve Hurley testimonials.  Diane Goncalves and Patricia wanted Steve Hurley out but he had a clean file.  I think he was too popular and Diane and Patricia do not like to compete with that.  Diane Goncalves was responsible to evaluate Steve that year.  She failed to do her job yet needed a negative written evaluation to pad Steve Hurley’s file.  So – I am told that Diane directed Matt to create one and Patricia kept the money (our money) flowing so the attorney could polish this fabricated evaluation.  I called Matt and pleaded with him to be a leader – and to not take directives from Superintendent Chamberlain or Diane Goncalves that include non-truth.  But he would not budge. He also did not deny it.  I know of others who tried as well.  Allegedly – some that worked for him refused to speak with him for months afterward.  A group of Steve Hurley’s co-workers stepped forward and wanted to testify on his behalf.  Patricia and  Diane had Scott Fellows (as a union rep) call each one of these teachers to his office where he gave them a talking to.  Diane stood in the doorway for each one.  Intimidation?  In conclusion – Matt Harnett was a tool.  Our students deserve better.

I shared the Becky Hurlburt letter with you a couple of months ago.  The one where she violates important by-laws and bullies Principal Croft regarding CCS Boys Basketball Coach – Michael Pierce.  (The prominent by-law being that Board Members may not, can not – manage the school or staff – even if they have kids at the school.)  The story did not end there.  Becky wanted Michael Pierce out and went after him.  CCS Principal Mike Croft and Athletic Director Dan Carroll created a horribly insulting evaluation that should be the beacon of low points for our CCSPrincipal’s career and Mike Croft can wear that and show up and take our tax dollars – but buddy – you should start apologizing.  When Mike Pierce went to his friends who are Coaches and teachers at CCS for a letter of recommendation to help him fight back – each one said the same thing to him as if scripted:  “I wish I could but I can’t afford to lose my job”.  Retribution.  Did Michael Pierce deserve the negative eval – absolutely not.  I have it.  They gave him zero points for emergency medical training and CPR etc…  He has all those certifications and more as the State requires.  You have to see this document.  Dr. Fitz wrote him a lovely letter of recommendation – as did many of the boys he coached.

I am voting “No” again.  70% of our property tax dollar is this budget.  We want a High School that reflects the great teachers and students and citizens of Region One.  We vote “No” to end this Correctional Facility under this Superintendent and Warden.  Do not buy them out – insist that they go by voting “No”.

Next we should be discussing thorough and acceptable annual financial audit procedures.

Lawrence Van Valkenburgh