Beware of lynch mobs

[Umpire]

The analysis is very compelling and the financial losses are easy to see and are very serious.

There are procedures in place for addressing all of this and it is only fair to all of us, the future of the school and our combined legacy to be kind through this process.

Andy and the Board, have to be given the benefit of the doubt and a fair and open assessment. Let’s put the pitch forks back in the barn and wait for the correct process to play out.

Future leaders and teachers are watching how we handle this situation.

Go Chargers!

[Please look at history]

I find the title of this forum to be inappropriate and, at the very least, inaccurate. Those in power– social and economic– went after the vulnerable, not the other way.

This situation is a matter of the vulnerable, the silenced, the ones providing for and sustaining the community in innumerable and profound ways trying to protest the misuse of power.

This forum needs to be deleted if not retitled.

[Fan to Umpire]

There is evidence to the contrary that there will “be a fair and open assessment”: a) the Board President has already publicly stated it’s foregone conclusions: “We also have the utmost confidence in and support for … Andrew Watson…” and b) “we are encouraged by the school’s … financial position.”

Further, there were already procedures in place, as Mr. Hibbett’s letter specifically cites, which, if followed, should have prevented all these problems. As someone else on this forum mentioned, this cannot have been the first attempt if Mr. Hibbett or any of the concerned faculty and parents to address these problems.

Healthy workplaces (and schools) cannot exist if those in power must be surrounded by “yes men.” It is through divergence of ideas and opinions that forward momentum is created and greatness is achieved. The Board and Andrew Watson would be wise to remember the Emperor and his new clothes.

It does appear that unless people continue to speak up – yes, dissent, – the current situation will continue and the Simms’ vision of the Albuquerque Academy will become a distant memory.

[ClassOf19]

“Finally, we can think of no more effective way to improve accountability than to open board
meetings to the Academy community and to share the board’s bylaws. Accordingly, we request that the board open its meetings to the Academy community and publish minutes of its meetings starting with the board’s next meeting this year. In addition, we ask that the board share its bylaws with the community.”

I’m shocked that the boards bylaws are not publicly available. This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It sounds like even the rule-book on how to get those abusing their power, out of power, is being protected by those in power. How does one even know if they are following by-laws?

Based on statements made in the letter from previous attempts for transparency (which seem to have been denied), it appears that Mr. Watson, and the Board, refuse to be accountable to anyone – a real ‘screw-you’ attitude is at play here.

[Be careful what you wish for.]

I agree that this has the feel of an angry mob. This is a complex set of issues that should be looked at very carefully and calmly. If there are problems that need addressing, it’s best to do it in a cooperative spirit. There may be inaccuracies in the letter, and it takes time and effort to sort it all out. For example, where does one find the information on current and past salaries of the Academy teachers and administration?

[libra68]

I am not sure I agree. Certainly there has been a lot of anger. But as I read through the blog entries, I find a lot of thoughtful, constructive criticism.

Given the pent-up frustration that was so obviously ready to blow, the anger is inevitable. But I agree that some comments were over the line.

There’s a lot of affection for the Academy. My bet is that future comments will lack the edge, and continue to be thoughtful.

Thanks, Be Careful What You Wish For.

PS: I sure hope that the Board will hold a Town Hall of some kind. Several posts have mentioned this. I think it is essential.

[Author]

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