Dear Editor

Dear Editor

From 1998 to 2013, I had the privilege and honor to represent the Salmon River School district community as a trustee on the Board of Education. During that time I was afforded the opportunity of working with four different superintendents, the most recent being Jane Collins, who was hired after two extensive searches.

Once Ms. Collins started her duties at Salmon River, it was evident to all that her very strong work ethic was undeniable. Jane Collins hit the ground running. Her enthusiasm and energy were unparalleled. The Board worked closely with Jane to set goals for her and for the Board itself, both long term and short term, which were reviewed and evaluated on a yearly basis, as it is the responsibility of the Board to evaluate the Superintendent. Ms. Collins was doing the job we would expect a Superintendent to do. Jane Collins is a very thorough and conscientious leader. She takes her responsibilities very seriously.

Accountability of all personnel became important to the Board. Experience found that, in some cases, evaluations and/or write ups on previous infractions were not completed. Jane Collins was charged with seeing that all administrators/supervisors evaluated their staff as expected and recorded such evaluations. The Board expected all infractions and disciplinary actions to be documented as well.

Some staff had not been evaluated for years and some looked at the process as a condemnation rather than a chance to receive constructive input so as to enhance their job performance.

Those close to Salmon River know what the current smear campaign against Jane Collins is REALLY all about and those participating in it cannot honestly say that all this mud-slinging is in the best interest of our students or our district.

Everyone must be involved in raising the bar. The Superintendent cannot do it alone. The Board must continue to set high, yet realistic goals and expectations for the staff and the students and be willing to give the Superintendent the tools and support needed to allow this to happen. Decisions have to be made, and yes, sometimes they are very difficult, but necessary nonetheless.

Our children and grandchildren, our school, our communities are too important to all of us to be accepting of this sort of smear and divisiveness. One thing for certain, if Jane just sat in her office with blinders on, collecting her paycheck, and not being concerned with accountability, this would not be happening to her.

Sincerely,

Judy Stark