Letter to the Editor: Confidentiality Required By Law

For the past 10-plus years, I have had the privilege of giving my time, talent and resources to the Sevastopol School community as a member of the school board. At this time my fellow board member Bill Behme and I are faced with the possibility of a recall. Therefore, I find it necessary to share a few thoughts with the community.

Those who are seeking a recall are unhappy about a personnel decision made by the entire school board. It is important for the community to know that the Sevastopol School Board takes all personnel issues seriously and handles the situations in accordance with all laws and regulations, while keeping the best interests of the district as a whole in mind. Rest assured that due process was taken, with extended and deliberate discussions relating to all personnel issues, while protecting the confidentiality of these matters that is required by law. While we have been accused of a lack of transparency and lack of communication, we cannot violate the law. Sometimes these personnel matters can be emotional, but at times difficult decisions must be made knowing that not everyone may agree with the decisions.

The Sevastopol School Board has worked hard the past 10 years to provide strong leadership for the entire team, resulting in both state and national recognition for outstanding achievement of our students. Research shows that school boards have an impact upon student achievement as evidenced by the National School Boards Association’s Key Work of School Boards.

When I first decided to run for the school board in 2006, I wanted to give back to the community in which I grew up and where I received a quality education at Sevastopol, which helped to shape my future. For more than 50 years, I have been involved in some phase of education – teacher, school counselor, central office administrator, university ad hoc instructor, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction consultant, and currently a consultant to other school districts and chair of the Cooperative Educational Services Agency #7 Board of Control. I have worked in both public and private school systems and have served on local, regional, state and national committees and boards. I have been involved in various organizations in Door County that impact children and families, including the United Way Board and committees, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin Advisory Board, and the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Board.

Both Bill Behme and I have chosen to take the high road in this entire situation and we will continue to do so. At this time, however, we feel that it is necessary to provide factual clarifying information for the entire community. So many untruths have been put forth such as false information regarding the district’s legal costs, a lack of transparency, secret meetings, a lack of communication, and others all because of an unpopular school board decision. We trust that our community will recognize our commitment to the students of Sevastopol through our hard work, dedication and expertise as well as our intent to follow the laws that govern all school districts.

Sue Todey, Sevastopol School Board President

Sturgeon Bay, Wis.