Letter to the editor: Peter Grant

Letter to the Editor:

As I complete my last few days at KM, I want to make sure I thank the many people of the community for their great support of the District.  The KM School District is a recipient of many people who provide support with their finances, volunteerism, great kids, and attendance to the many of the events the schools put on.

I have enjoyed my six years working with so many great employees and members of the community.  Working alongside individuals who are dedicated to the education of our youth is the reason why I have been in education for 34 years.  KM has wonderful teachers, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers and assistants.  All of these people help make possible the successful efforts to educate our students and provide for them great facilities and opportunities to succeed in the and out of the classroom.

The last few months the District has had to deal with some controversy.  An article in the DCI the week of June 27 mentioned the results of an investigation due to accusations made by some former employees.  It is the second investigation since 2004 with similar claims of wrong doing.  And the result of the investigation produced the same results – the District and administration have performed within the boundaries of its policies and conducted appropriate actions addressing personnel issues or complaints.
Public employees have an entitlement to due process when accusations of harassment or if job performance issues invoke termination procedures.  Those entitlements are in state statute.  However, once the results of the investigation or a hearing officer’s determination for termination have been divulged, and the outcome is not in favor of the complainant or employee, that entitlements ends.  Then it is time to move on and accept the outcome.  The employer needs to move on as well as the individual.  The outcome should not be considered successful or a failure upon the personal perspective of the employer or individual.  Independent investigations and hearings serve the purpose of finding the facts and making a decision.  Those decisions need to be respected for what they are.  

The KM School District is a very good District.  Those who serve on the School Board provide great service to the students, parents, staff and members of the community.  It is a thankless service.  The present times we are seeing in education make serving on a school board very difficult.  It is critical these people are supported for the decisions they make which are in the best interests of the District.  At times it may not be easy to give that support, but it must be done.  

District 204 has a great future ahead.  Be sure to take pride in what is being accomplished.  If you look throughout the state, the KM School District is one of a handful that is showing growth, producing outstanding student achievement results and managing it finances in great fashion.  Yes, there will be challenges, but those should be looked at ways to improve and not obstacles.    

Peter Grant