Shelley residents express anger at school policies during meeting
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SHELLEY — It was standing room only Thursday night as residents poured into Dean Goodsell Elementary School to express concerns about about Shelley Joint School District 60.
More than 100 people attended the meeting, with some people left waiting in the hall to hear what the others had to say about the school district.
“Our district has become a laughingstock, and the kids are paying,” Stephanie Huntsman, a concerned parent and district employee said at the meeting.
Huntsman was one of nine residents who gave testimony. Huntsman focused her remarks on changes the board needed to make to create a better environment for students and bring pride back to the schools.
School Board chairman Jamey Higham allowed the patrons to speak for three minutes each. Speakers were also not allowed to mention staff by name and discuss them with the board due to privacy concerns.
Several parents, faculty, and even a student — Huntsman’s daughter — spoke about concerns they had with the way district schools are being run.
“I am excited to get out of Shelley High School, but I am terrified because when it comes to my education I don’t feel I am as well prepared as my peers,” Shelley High School senior Karissa Huntsman said.
Other speakers mentioned similar problems such as bullying, problems with staff, low standards of education and accused the board of “sweeping (problems) under the rug”.
“The administration is so concerned with defending other faculty that they are willing to overlook or completely dismiss problems or concerns that parents are bringing to light,” said Shelley resident Rachel Mathews.
The elephant in the room was the district’s handling of complaints against Shelley High School athletic director David Hadley, who is facing a misdemeanor battery charge following an encounter with a female student.
The encounter was referenced in the meeting several times, although Hadley’s name was not mentioned directly as per the meeting rules. He is due in court on Feb. 9.
Parent Wade Rumsey gave some of the night’s only praise when he complimented Sunrise Elementary School for the job it was doing taking care of his daughter, who has special needs.
“I can’t be more happy with the things the school and the district have done on behalf of those who are less fortunate,” Rumsey said.
Rumsey also encouraged the board and parents to work together on other issues to make things happen.
Higham, the board chairman, thanked those who participated in the meeting and encouraged those who did not speak or had other concerns to fill out district policy forms available on the district’s website.