I attended the SHS board meeting on May 9th. On the agenda was the contract non-renewal of the high school counselor, Mr. Steven Coop.
It was standing room only! With many students, faculty, parents and community members standing for over an hour waiting to give testimony and praise for Steven Coop. We listened to each student speak, each one more eloquently than the one before. Some with written statements, some from their hearts with remembrances of how Mr. Coop had impacted their lives. Sometimes so profound remembering it like it had happened yesterday. Many from students that have graduated. There was testimony from many parents as well. Most notable was the praise from fellow faculty members who clearly felt Mr. Coop was a great asset to the students and school. As the board members prepared to vote there was overwhelming praise from one member on the board. And two shocking statements from two other members. One statement was made that it was too bad that everyone came together for a bad thing. It’s too bad that people don’t come for something good (their words). As I felt my hand rising up to catch my jaw, I realized too late! It had hit the floor. What “bad thing”? This was the best display of our community coming together, standing for and behind their mentor, colleague and friend. An even more disturbing statement from one board member, who stated that he always has complete trust in the administrators that they have hired. With only ONE recommendation from ONE administrator with no grounds relayed to the board members as to not renew Mr. Coop, and then not to trust countless recommendations from other faculty that the board has hired as well.
I find his statement to be troubling. To take the recommendation of one, as opposed to many statements to the contrary? As community members we hired the school board members to oversee the administration. To do what is best for our students first, and the school. Not to be a rubber stamp for the administration! The students left the meeting broken and almost inconsolable. It was a close vote. I believe there is more that should be heard.
Marguerite Metully
Stevensville