School board issues statement in support of Superintendent

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The following letter was received from Fort Madison Community School District President Dr. Tim Wondra via email Monday evening.

The Fort Madison Community School District takes its responsibility to ensure that all students have the opportunity to receive an engaging, integrated, rigorous educational experience very seriously. We, as a Board of Directors and a Superintendent, frequently refer to the District’s beliefs and vision statement to remind us of the route we must continue to pursue to meet the educational needs of all FMCSD students. These beliefs and this vision statement are read aloud at every Board meeting, and can be found on the District’s website at https://www.fmcsd.org/school-board/.

One of the most critical parts of providing an outstanding educational experience for all students is having employees who are committed to the District’s beliefs and vision statement. The District has a strong, diverse, dedicated group of employees. The District’s teachers, coaches, associates, custodians, maintenance employees, secretaries, bus drivers, bus monitors, support staff, food service employees, administrators, and Superintendent are all working toward the District’s shared goals and objectives.

As with any organization, there are times when individuals - including students, parents, employees, or community members - raise concerns regarding the District’s employees. In these scenarios, people often have differing views and opinions regarding what occurred and what should happen next. Whatever the views held by these individuals, ultimately it is up to the employee’s supervisor to appropriately investigate, discuss, and take any appropriate remedial action to address the concerns that are raised. This process allows all employees a fair opportunity to understand and respond to the concerns and ensures that concerns are being appropriately handled.

Based upon recent media coverage, it appears this is what has occurred recently at FMCSD - different people have different views of what has occurred and what should occur related to the Superintendent’s conduct. Upon learning of possible concerns, the Board followed the process the District utilizes for all employees and looked into and addressed the concerns directly with the Superintendent. The matter has been appropriately handled by the Board. Iowa law requires that the District keep any personnel information regarding a District employee confidential. Therefore, the District cannot make any statements or provide any information related to any employee personnel matter, including this matter involving the Superintendent.

The Board affirmatively states that it supports Dr. Slater and her leadership of the District’s educational program and of all FMCSD students and employees. There has been great progress while Dr. Slater has served as Superintendent, and we look forward to continued progress that will bring more positive experiences for FMCSD students and employees.

We are all one community pursuing the same goal to provide an educational experience that ensures all students learn the skills necessary for success.

Tim Wondra, Lois DiPrima, Dianne Hope, Brian Steffensmeier, Jared Hotop, Brad Menke, Carol Ross - Fort Madison Community School District Board of Directors
Dr. Erin Slater - Fort Madison Community School District Superintendent

Erin Slater, Fort Madison School Board, letter to the editor, opinion, Pen City Current, Superintendent, Tim Wondra

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