The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Trustees make accusations
Board members share concerns about discipline issues
By Kathleen Conat, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: March 15, 2007
A review of items to be discussed at an upcoming work session became hostile Monday night as Ypsilanti school board trustees aired concerns about problems at Ypsilanti High School.
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Trustee Andrew Fanta, in requesting a list of documents for that session, said, "I am convinced the high school's discipline system is morally corrupt. I think the monthly reports are dishonest."
He called for a full evaluation of behavior and discipline data, as well as faculty, staff and administrative relations.
"I want to review language use and policies. I want to make sure policies are being followed," Fanta said.
Trustee Cameron Getto agreed, saying he was concerned with the lack of official information from the high school.
"I am getting phone calls from teachers, staff, students and parents," he said. "I am hearing of fights and discipline issues from them. But I'm getting very little through official channels."
Trustee Tom Reiber said he did not want to jump to conclusions until all sides had been heard from.
"I want to hear from everyone, from teachers through the superintendent, before I make up my mind."
Board President Floyd Brumfield reacted with anger to suggestions the board was not being properly informed by district Superintendent James Hawkins. In response, Vice President Amy Doyle requested that Hawkins keep in better touch with board members.
"We are getting phone calls and emails all the time from people in the community," she said.
Hawkins asked board members, "to have confidence in (their) superintendent."
He said the discussion was leaning toward being an evaluation and asked that it be ended.
Getto and Fanta both said they had met privately with teacher and staff unions' representatives about discipline issues that had raised concerns at the high school.
Union representatives had previously spoken with Hawkins on several occasions, according to YEA President Kelly Powers.
The school board will meet in a work at 6 p.m. March 19 to review this and other matters.
Kathleen Conat is a longtime Ypsilanti resident and freelance writer for the Courier. She can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.
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