Increased gratitude for VISD officials after reading investigation results

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, June 22, 2016

I read the contents of the independent reports regarding the alleged harassment at our schools and came away with nothing but gratitude for our school administrators, counselors and teachers who work every day to address parent concerns and support individual students. The report includes multiple instances of school officials reaching out to students to connect, provide support or appropriate discipline. After one parent voiced concerns to the McMurray principal, he followed through with at least 18 interventions such as talking to teachers and students and proposing new anti-harassment curricula.

The report also reflects my experience as a parent of 2 Vashon school kids. I have been impressed that teachers and administrators genuinely care for our children and work to meet their varying needs and temperaments.

I find it troubling that these families resorted to legal action without making a more concerted effort to bring their concerns to the school. Suing for millions of dollars after a single email or meeting is disingenuous at best. These legal actions are harmful on many levels. They take an immense emotional toll on the people named in the suit as well as their families, children named in the suit and members of the community. Defending these suits will put a financial burden on our cash strapped schools. Worse yet, we stand to lose wonderful school administrators and have difficulty recruiting in the future as strong candidates may seek a community that is less contentious. I urge the community to rally support for our school administrators and teachers so they can continue to focus on the work of educating our children.

— Laurel Kuehl