Parents want to discuss ‘toxic’ atmosphere at Stevi school

By Michael Howell

At the beginning of last week’s meeting of the Stevensville School District Board of Trustees, Lori Rokosch made a statement about what she calls a “toxic environment” at the school.
“We are here to request attention, answers, and action by the board to address a number of interrelated issues of concern that are increasing a negative perception in the community that the school has created, and continues to create, a toxic environment – one that is not conducive to learning or ‘Excellence in Education’. This negative educational environment is not acceptable,” she told the board.
The first issue she raised was the recent use of a drug dog to search the ski bus. Some marijuana was found among the belongings of two students. As a result, the administration announced initially that it was canceling future ski bus trips. That decision was later rescinded.
“The initial response of the administration to cancel the bus over Christmas break and punish the students and the community members for the poor choice of two individuals out of 52 people on the bus was childish,” said Rokosch. She also complained about the volunteer disclosure statement that chaperones on the bus were asked to sign before they boarded the bus for the next trip. She wondered what the policy was if someone checked the “yes” box on the form that asked about the “following convictions.” She wondered about the policy for administration and faculty that are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony while employed at the school.
“The school has created an environment of intimidation and ‘guilty until proven innocent’,” said Rokosch. She requested a meeting with administration and two board members to discuss allegations circulating in the community concerning administration and faculty. She said that some parents would like to know, “What is the personnel policy regarding relationships between a superior and supervised subordinate? What is the policy for investigation of administration, for example, a superintendent or principal?” She suggested a task force be formed consisting of faculty, students, parents, board members and a mediator to look at and address these questions and issues.
Other parents spoke in support of Rokosch’s request. Gene Mim Mack said that he thought the use of drug dog searches was generally accepted by the public, but he said the school’s response to the incident was out of proportion to what happened. He called it an “over-reaction” to shut down the bus trips.
Mim Mack said that to his knowledge no student signed a document when they joined the Ski Club stating that they were going to be responsible for everyone on the bus. He said that the school administration’s over-reaction sent the message to students that they are all guilty by association.
“We need to separate the kids that violate the law and let the other kids go on and succeed in their community,” he said.
Board Chair Cathi Cook said that there were a few avenues available for community involvement at the school and that the board was interested in addressing any issues of concern that the community has and would try to arrange something before the next board meeting.