Authoritarianism won’t fix Claremont schools
My hometown is Claremont. I am a product of my community. I went to Claremont schools, I graduated from Stevens High School, went to River Valley Community College, played and coached sports here. Now I’m a Claremont property tax payer. Previously, I was a seven- year special education paraprofessional and then teacher for the CSD.
That was always my goal to work for my hometown, and I went above and beyond during my tenure with the CSD. Throughout my time, however, I always felt the stain of authoritarianism being at the helm of Claremont schools. One example is the lack of due process.
I teach at a different school now, and the Claremont School district went barreling into a deficit. I had hoped that a new way of doing business would emerge from the ashes of a crisis.
Well, unfortunately that does not appear to be the case. With the recent hiring of Timothy Broadrick by only three school board members who were part of a committee, it is evident that the CSD is up to its old authoritarian tactics.
Additionally, we are going to pay him over $200,000, which will add to the wealth distribution inequality that plagues the district and feeds authoritarianism, as it has already been confirmed the CSD will start the next school year in a deficit of at least $1 million. There is no doubt we will be talking about cutting things that directly impact children (AGAIN), while paying Dr. Broadrick, who has no roots here, a large salary.
I am hoping that I am wrong about this and that Claremont will be a thriving, supportive and successful school district next year, but history is not on my side.