Attrition and tough times at Kearsarge
I am deeply troubled by the issues unfolding at Kearsarge.
I had the honor of serving as an educator at Kearsarge Regional High School for 25 years. Those were among the most rewarding years of my career. I worked alongside remarkable colleagues — many of whom still serve there — and taught some of the best students I could ever hope to meet. My wife is a Kearsarge graduate and former teacher, and both of our children are proud alumni. Leaving the district was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, and I continue to think fondly of the school and community that shaped so much of our lives.
That is why it pains me to see what is happening now. In my experience, when there is smoke, there is usually fire. The departure of 40 employees should have been an unmistakable signal that something is seriously wrong. Reports of poor communication, questionable judgment and retaliation against staff reflect a troubling erosion of trust and safety.
To Principal Langille and district leadership, I offer this reminder: teachers don’t leave schools — they leave administrators. Effective leaders inspire trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. I hope the district acts swiftly and transparently to restore confidence, heal divisions and rebuild the strong, supportive community that Kearsarge once was — and can be again.