Disappointed in District 200 board

I am a retired Wheaton Warrenville District 200 teacher and Wheaton property owner, and, therefore, invested emotionally and financially in this school district.

I am somewhat appalled by recent events. Only weeks before the school board graciously accepted Dr. Brian Harris' resignation, he had signed a new five-year contract with pay increase. When he was tempted away by the Barrington schools a few weeks later, he broke his promise, his contract. The message sent to teachers, students and the community is that promises/contracts do not need to be honored. If you receive a better deal, take it!

The school board even condones this bad behavior by waiving the $40,000 fee noted in the original contract. Dr. Harris has been asked to help find his own replacement, which requires trustworthiness and integrity. He gave a two-week notice and is now learning his new job. With his new responsibilities, he'll have little time for Wheaton.

Teachers know the last two weeks of school are sacrosanct. One does not take a personal day for an out-of-town wedding. One does not leave early for a dental appointment. But Dr. Harris was given a pass, an example of "Do what we say, not what we do."

School board members have modeled a poor example of integrity and character in this situation. Thank you to the two members who voted no, but the board owes the community more explanation than what's been given. Is it surprising that the community denies the district's requests for funding?

I emailed these concerns to the board via the District 200 website, and received a response from an administrator, to whom I did not write; I wrote to the school board members, from whom I have yet to receive a response.

Let's find some new leadership for the school board at our next election.

Susan Hervey

Wheaton