RCS Superintendent Robert Shaner and the district’s Board of Education have attributed much of this year’s poor decision making, mismanagement of funds, and lack of transparency on a “once in a lifetime pandemic” and other “unprecedented” circumstances, but is that a valid argument or are these the excuses of failed leadership? The reality is that many schools across the state and country provided in-person instruction across the academic year and offered an online option to students that met their academic needs while allowing them to learn from home, and they were able to do so with the support and involvement of members of the community. The district’s poor management of Covid-19 provided the community with a real-time example of just how poorly district leadership handles decision-making and how its lack of transparency impacts the students and the community as a whole. Ultimately, it exposed a system that is riddled with leadership deficiencies.
The best example of these leadership failures is the number of stories about the poor building conditions that our students and teachers are using daily for instruction. Parents and RCS staff have spoken of the leaks, possible mold, and the lack of a response from the district when these issues are reported. It wasn’t until these topics gained traction within the community that the district took action to resolve the issues. The public perception of the district was at risk which left leadership with no choice but to take action; the health of students and staff was not enough motivation.
Here are the buildings that I have recently heard about having issues with.
- Long Meadow Elementary – Roof Leaks & potential mold
- Stoney Creek High School – Roof Leaks & potential mold
- Rochester High School – Roof Leaks
- Reuther Middle School – Concrete Falling from the Ceiling & roof leaks
Brave Voices From Within RCS
At the June 7, 2021, BOE meeting, a former RCS Long Meadow Elementary teacher spoke about the poor building conditions and how the bond money that was supposed to be used to correct those issues never showed up.
I have received information from current RCS employees that show these decrepit building conditions are not new and that over time, the culture within RCS has shifted away from supporting student and teacher instructional needs. Priorities and funds have been redirected to public perception via high-priced PR firms, the creation of high-paying administrative roles, and the purchase of new administration buildings and high-priced, poorly located daycare centers.
Here is what a couple of anonymous RCS sources had to say.
“Delta Kelly had an actual hole drilled in the drywall in the main foyer ceiling for water drainage because no one would take the time to figure out the larger problem.”- anonymous source.
“Pete Muscio was brought on for all the bond projects, and he is legendarily bad at his job, and within two weeks of being on the job, Cory was making fun of him openly to RCS administrators.” – anonymous source
“I’m not proud that this is our culture, but it’s an example of how some people have Shaner or Debi’s golden parachute and never get held accountable.” – anonymous source
“A guy named Gary Denis hired outside contractors to do a water test in some seals above the leak, and after that, they located the broken seal and fixed it.” – anonymous source
Pete’s hire date is November 30, 2015.
Is this what we expect from District Leadership?
Here we are, once again, watching the District and BOE not holding people accountable for their work (or lack thereof), in this case, a contractor paid for with taxpayer funds. Clearly, there are other places that this funding should be going. Furthermore, the students and staff in these buildings suffer the results of their negligence. This is on EACH AND EVERY ONE of our BOE Trustees! It is THEIR responsibility to hold the superintendent accountable and they REFUSE to do so. Are we proud of that culture? Are we proud that staff members and parents fear retaliation if they air their grievances? Well, on behalf of the staff members, the students, the parents, and the TAXPAYERS, I am here to tell you that WE are NOT afraid anymore!
Thank you to the RCS employees that have reached out, shared their experiences, and exposed the true culture that exists in the schools in which our students learn. It is not an easy decision to come forward and your courage and dedication to the community and the students does not go unnoticed. I will be protecting your identity; real change cannot happen without you.