I am a 20-year resident of Manitou Springs and the mother of two Manitou students. I am also an educator in a neighboring district and have had the opportunity to engage in many components of our public education system: classroom teaching, instructional design, coaching, policy and leadership implementation.
Last year, I watched a large swath of politically motivated parents aim accusations toward a former Colorado Springs school district superintendent. Their aim was to remove him from his office and, along with donors from the Colorado Springs community intent on keeping equity out of any public school conversation, achieved their goal.
Shortly thereafter, I began to notice a similar tone with a similar pattern taking aim at Manitou Springs School District 14’s administration. False accusations can take root quickly in a small community, especially when constituents are not necessarily knowledgeable about the complexities of running a public institution.
I am fighting for something I believe to be at risk, which is an administration that believes and works heartily toward the equity, wellness and workforce readiness of our student population.
That work was confirmed to me as I stayed for most of the Oct. 17 District 14 Board of Education meeting and listened to reports from the school staff. The disparity between the one-dimensional accusations of SUFM and the actual complexity of the work being accomplished in D14 was stark.
New director Christi-Marie Butler stated correctly at the meeting that two people can experience a work environment very differently, and that dissatisfied employees need a safe space carved out for the expression of their grievances. I heard more than once the intent from Superintendent Elizabeth Domangue and the board to ensure such a space exists.
At some point, however, dissatisfaction that lacks a solution-minded approach can become distracting and erosive, especially if that is the only narrative to persist. How is MSSD staff going to be able to focus on the health and wellness of its current system if they are constantly focusing on staff who have departed?
The number of “thank yous” I received for my public comments at the Oct. 17 BOE meeting in support of our administration is just one indication that I am not alone in my appreciation and approval of the work BOE and the D14 administration of are doing.
The dissatisfied voice may seem loud, but it is certainly not the only voice among the MSSD constituents. I look forward to continuing my support for our current hardworking and talented D14 staff.