A staff survey is a step toward regaining a voice some West Fargo school staff say they've lost. The step was delayed, though, when the school board tabled approving a survey Monday.
While administrators recommended the same survey as the West Fargo Education Association - The Village Family Service Center study - all board members, except Karen Nitzkorski, voted in favor of delaying any action until they hear from survey representatives at the next meeting on Feb. 9.
"I think we're headed in the right direction," WFEA President Joan Baltezore said. "This will be (staff's) opportunity to say any concerns they have."
And some have plenty of concerns - although you may not hear it voiced publically, they say.
"Everyone's fearful of retribution," high school teacher Darrin Boehm said, adding he's speaking out because, "it's the only way we'll get anyone listening
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to us at all."
It's not just teachers, others add.
"I think our immediate supervisors are feeling pressure," high school teacher Mike Preston added. "I think it comes from the top down. (The district is) not going in the right direction."
Eastwood Elementary teacher Darrel Lund said it's because "so many decisions are being made from the superintendent's office with little or no input from teachers."
Officials caution they don't know how many people feel the same way.
"I think there's concerns, but we don't know if it's a few that are embellishing ... or if it's a major concern," board president Tom Gentzkow said, adding the survey would show, "the pulse of the entire staff."
The anonymous surveys could be completed by summer and would cost $16,800 with an additional $800-$2,400 for results.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kelly Smith at (701) 241-5515
