One step forward, three steps back. This has been the consistent pattern of the Concord School District’s mismanagement of the fallout after the arrest of a sexual predator in April.
Three months after the arrest, the board finally committed to hiring an independent investigator with the purpose to “learn if policies and procedures were followed.” The district also engaged community members in revising policies around mandatory reporting and sexual misconduct. With these steps forward, the district seemed committed to do the right thing.
Last week, the board received the long-awaited report by the independent investigator. Unfortunately, the board president has told media outlets that a substantial part of the report will likely not become public as it is considered protected by attorney-client privilege. If the goal of the report was to learn if policies and procedures were followed, the public has a right to know that to ensure any systems failures will be addressed by the administration.
In addition, while it was announced the Concord High School principal and district superintendent would be placed on paid leave, an interim superintendent was named apparently without the full board’s knowledge of this appointment.
Not only is there a lack of transparency by board leadership with the public, but now there appears to be a lack of transparency with board members. No one should be making unilateral decisions right now. Doing so will continue to erode the little trust left with the public. Our kids and our community cannot afford any more step backwards.
KATE FREY
Concord