Carroll Community School District Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, says a combination of miscommunication and existing board policies led to confusion concerning a recent donation in a show of support for staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. A group of local parents and community members spearheaded an effort to bring lunch to educators via a food truck. According to Berlau, school officials initially supported the idea, but state law involving donations for public employees and board policy stood in the way.
The parent group provided food for staff during Teacher Appreciation Week without the district’s official involvement by setting up a food truck just off school property throughout the week. Community members and teachers expressed concern about morale within the district during a meeting last month in response to allegations of bullying by an administrator. Staff morale is a challenge in every school district, but Berlau does not believe that low morale is the cause for a perceived increase in staff resignations this year.
Berlau also provided an update on where school officials are at following last month’s meeting, which had over 100 stakeholders in attendance. Due to this being a personnel matter, Berlau is limited in how much information he can provide. However, he says they are investigating the complaints filed against the individual in question.
Berlau says he is unable to comment on potential outcomes of this investigation, but he assures the public the district will do its due diligence in seeking a resolution.
