• From: Virginia Jeup <jeupv@gpschools.org>
    Date: Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 11:41 AM
    Subject: Re: Board Meeting- Feedback
    To: XXXXX
    CC: <schoolboard@gpschools.org>


    Dear XXXXX,


    Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. I agree wholeheartedly that transparency, inclusivity, and civility must be at the forefront of all we do as a Board. Recent events have made it clear that we need to refocus on these principles.

     

    I share your frustration about the silencing of board members and the exclusion of community voices. These actions not only undermine trust but also hinder our ability to make informed decisions that serve the best interests of our students and district. Open dialogue is essential, and shutting people out is unacceptable. The gag order put on me by Colleen Worden was not just demoralizing, but the fact that four other trustees upheld that decision makes it even more disheartening.

     

    I share your concern about the reluctance to consult with legal counsel. I see no reason to prevent the Board from seeking professional advice, especially when we are making decisions with significant implications for the district. Legal counsel exists to guide us in making sound, informed choices, and I believe we should use this resource whenever necessary. 

     

    Furthermore, Colleen Worden blatantly lied to the Board and the community when she claimed that the Board had voted to bring in Kevin Sutton to advise us. That was untrue. Her lying to the Board is unacceptable, but her lying to our residents is even worse.

     

    The performative antics and efforts to "own the opposition" through divisive and reckless behavior are deeply damaging to our district. I sincerely hope my fellow trustees will take stock of the legacy they wish to leave behind and the trust the community has placed in them. I urge them to pull back from these actions being led by Valarie St. John before further harm is done. I appreciate your continued advocacy and engagement. It’s critical that we remain focused on the shared goal of serving our students and this community with integrity and collaboration. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure we uphold these values.

     

    Blessings,

    Trustee Ginny Jeup

     

    On Jan 22, 2025, at 5:36 PM, XXXXX wrote:


    Dear Board,

    I’m writing again to share some concerning trends that are emerging with this new board majority. It’s interesting to see some members of this majority flip flop on issues so quickly after the election. Just a few examples:

    -For months, we heard demands to “release the report” immediately. Where did that urgency go? Now that you have the power to do so, there’s been nothing but delays and excuses to not release it. Why? And why is there any objection to being advised by legal counsel on this matter?

    -We’ve heard from some members repeatedly about a lack of transparency and inclusivity with the previous board. Ironically, this board continues to show no signs of honoring either of those things. In the first board meeting, community members were stripped of their ability to participate in committees. In the last meeting, we witnessed this board suppress the speech of another board member, Trustee Jeup. This is particularly worrisome. 

    Again, these are just a few examples. This doesn’t include examples from my previous email- such as making it a big deal to fill staffing vacancies, only to push back when solutions were brought to the table. It also doesn’t include attempts by members of this board to rewrite history regarding issues they campaigned on. 

    It just seems that certain members of this board are more focused on being contrarian and going against anything that the previous board (or current minority) advocated for. It’s time to stop letting your apparent personal dislike for other board members drive your actions and policy, and start focusing on doing what’s best for the kids and this district as a whole. 

    You can’t call for transparency, inclusivity, and civility etc. only when it’s politically convenient for you. This is an insult to the intelligence of the people in this community and it’s not going unnoticed. 

    Thank you,

    XXXXX