Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) has a problem that no one wants to talk about. I know that drafting this letter will further the divide between myself and the other four board members who seem unconcerned.
When I bring it up to the administration, (Superintendent) Dr. Perry Berry hides behind Policy 1-102 (boardpolicyonline.com): “Per Policy 1-102, it is important to refrain from addressing anonymous rumors/hearsay, and that is why attorneys/districts ask that all concerns be directed to the appropriate staff for a constructive discussion/solution.”
The massive yearly employee turnover is about ~30%. This year alone, we have had 16 administrative-level people resign; this is a principal or higher position and does not include administrative support roles. You can easily verify this by going back through the agendas of the board meeting and looking at the personnel resignation section.
In the past two years alone in the administration, which includes superintendents, directors and coordinators, only seven have remained employed under Dr. Perry Berry:
Erika C.
Steve W.
Amber B.
Jessica J.
Amy K.
Robin B.
Ellie H.
Jim G.
However, 16 have left the district:
Casey E.
Patty R.
Heidi L.
Cole M.
Kruze M.
Jim L.
Drew R.
Cole F.
Gustavo.
Kris T.
Paul G.
Ella C.
Dustin (Food).
Chris M.
Bill Fish (Operations).
Keegan Bassett.
Jessica B.
The elephant in the room is the fear in which the district is run. If anyone speaks out, they know they will be put on a performance improvement plan, and their contract most likely will not be renewed. Past employees have called out issues and, in return, claim they were forced to resign or have their reputation tarnished and never to be hired again in education. More evidence of this will be publicly coming out shortly. I think it is time you, the taxpayer, ask, “Do we want to support such a divisive employer funded by our taxes?” Eight out of 25 stayed, so in the last two years, you have a 32% retention rate for administration, not in a school setting and in the cabinet organization chart. This does not include principals, vice principals, teachers or other positions. I would bet it is not any better if you go back 3-5 years.
I have met with many teachers who have wanted to speak up regarding the lack of consistency in curriculum, only to be intimidated into remaining silent. Several have told me they have gone to their principal with matters, and the principal is silenced, and the issues are ignored. Multiple teachers told me that current board members went to the schools to collect signatures to run for office. When they tried not to sign, they were told that (insert board member name) they would take it personally if they did not sign or support their opponent.
As a board member, I get calls regularly with these concerns from teachers and advise them to go to the administration and keep me included in all communications. I have also recommended they speak to the board at the board meeting. Every single one said they could not without fearing the repercussions.
Due to the atmosphere of fear, teachers do not feel comfortable speaking out for fear of being put on a performance improvement plan or some other form of retaliation. Parents have spoken to the board multiple times, quoting teachers' concerns to provide protection. Refer to:
- QCUSD Board Meeting Jan. 11, 2022 - youtube.com.
- QCUSD Board Meeting March 1, 2022 - youtube.com.
- QCUSD Board Meeting April 5, 2022 - youtube.com.
Has there been any action taken? I have yet to see any action taken. I have seen the continued ignoring of employee satisfaction or QCUSD inner soul searching.
One administrative person who recently resigned is Heidi Lee, who happens to be running for the board. After three years of witnessing this workplace abuse and being a recipient of it herself, she had enough. Unable to be heard or allowed to say anything about the deficiencies, she resigned instead of being the fall guy.
Not all employees can leave as they fear being the recipient of retaliation and not having a positive referral. Let’s face it: Our teachers are dedicated to our students, whom they love and take great pride in educating them. So, leaving the district might feel like they are abandoning their students.
When I have asked about an anonymous tip line or something along those lines so employees can have their grievances investigated, I am told per Policy 1-102. What good is a policy if it inhibits the ability to address grievances? I know I would not like to go to work where I feel constantly scrutinized, put as the scapegoat, and not allowed to contribute to resolving or exploring a problem. Why would we expect our teachers and employees of our school district to do so?
The community must be aware of this ever-growing turnover and demand action. As a board member, I have asked for exit interviews with redacted personal information but have been told that it is only personal information for human resources. I know that, personally, having spoken about this with Heidi Lee, she was not provided with an in-person exit interview. Only an online one with answers that limited any meaningful response from the departing employee. Why would the district not want to know why so many employees are leaving?
We can turn things around in QCUSD and demand that things change at the top, where this rule by fear starts. Employees should not fear speaking out for what they need or providing feedback on the tools and curriculum. I am glad they feel comfortable sharing with me as a board member, but I cannot fight the battle when they fear putting their name to these claims and when the superintendent sights policy over an earnest desire to improve the workplace.
Board members should be able to ask questions without the administration hiding behind policy. This upcoming election is pivotal for our community. We can change the guard, reform our education system, maintain the status quo, and continue receiving a diminishing education for our tax dollar investment.
James Knox is a member of the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board. He assumed office on Jan. 1, 2023 after winning in the Nov. 8, 2022 general election. His current term ends on Jan. 1, 2027.
