From: Virginia Jeup <jeupv@gpschools.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Subject: Re: Fiscal responsibility
To: XXXXX
CC: <schoolboard@gpschools.org>, Andrea Tuttle <tuttlea@gpschools.org>, Christopher Stanley <stanlec@gpschools.org>

Dr. Tuttle and Trustees,

I feel compelled to address XXXXX recent email, which is riddled with inaccuracies and misrepresentations. It is astonishing that someone responsible for the disastrous budgets of the past, where millions were lost under XXXXX watch, believes XXXXX has any standing to comment on the district’s financial management now.

First, the claim of an $800,000 Taher overcharge is outright nonsense and demonstrates an alarming lack of understanding of school finances. This claim has been refuted multiple times, yet it continues to resurface without basis or context both here and online in rumor and gossip. There is no doubt in my mind that the constant misstatements by Colleen Worden and harassment over Taher created an environment where Brandy Pavlik felt it became a poor work environment. Additionally, for someone who oversaw financial mismanagement that required a complete right-sizing of the district by President Ismail and President Cotton, in partnership with Dr. Tuttle, to regain stability, these comments are both ironic and baseless.

Second, the assertion that the Grosse Pointe School District has “90,000 residents” is beyond absurd. The actual population is a little over half that number. How can XXXXX claim to represent the community when XXXXX doesn’t even know its basic demographics? This level of ignorance undermines any credibility in XXXXX argument.

On the very sensitive topic of Trombly, where parents and neighbors are speaking out with facts and data about their neighborhood, XXXXX narrative conveniently omits the chaos and harm caused by XXXXX decisions to close schools based on flawed data and poor judgment. Those South of Jefferson need to see who is pushing false narratives! The closures were shortsighted and lacked vision, and doing little to address long-term challenges. Now, we are working to reverse those mistakes, stabilize enrollment, and restore the district’s reputation as a walkable community. XXXXX insistence that we should accept XXXXX failures as untouchable truths is both arrogant, wrong and insulting to the voices who are working tirelessly to bring factual data to the Board for consideration. 

As for the budget, I find it laughable that Ms. Weertz now pretends to care about financial oversight. During XXXXX tenure, the district hemorrhaged money, and critical investments in staff and programs were ignored. This board, under Dr. Tuttle’s leadership, has done more to repair XXXXX mess in under a year than XXXXX accomplished during XXXXX entire tenure. XXXXX continued opposition to progress is nothing more than a selfish attempt to protect XXXXX failed legacy. 

The current board is focused on serving the students, families, and staff of this district by addressing real challenges with real solution! We are not about spreading falsehoods to score cheap political points.

It’s time to move forward together and leave the failures of the past where they belong. 

Blessings,

Trustee Ginny Jeup 

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On Jan 23, 2025, at 7:12 AM, XXXXX via Schoolboard Email <schoolboard@gpschools.org> wrote:

Dr. Tuttle and Trustees:
I would like to see the new interim CFO’s findings about the budget before there is discussion on reopening Trombly and even a bond issue. Dr. Tuttle made it clear that there are major issues with the budget.

We can’t afford a curriculum director, CFO, or communications director, but trustees awarded a five-year, million dollar superintendent contract and want to open a school??

Why weren’t these critical issues contemplated during the last two years? There are so many other issues besides Trombly that need to be solved for the quality of education in Grosse Pointe, like filling critical positions in central office, beefing up communications, and solving budget issues, including the $800k Taher overcharge.

Are you still in “deficit spending” mode while you are considering the expense of reopening a school? How many children would be eligible to go to Trombly? It was 50 percent full when it was closed and enrollment has continued to decline.

The board I was on decided to close the two schools in the district with the lowest enrollment - both were less than half full. In addition, others were at 60 percent full.

I’d remind you that 20 vocal Trombly residents do not outweigh 90,000 residents who care about the fiscal viability and excellence of the schools for our current students. A quality school district is not primarily about the buildings. It is about the students, the curriculum and its delivery.

Sincerely, XXXXX

Sent from my iPhone