Survey Almost half of the teaching staff…..44 per cent …. within the Henry Hudson Regional School District are considering leaving this year due to work conditions.
That was the figure quoted in a recent Henry Hudson Regional Education Association Climate Survey Summary Report VeniVidiScripto received in the mail this week.
Citing their deep dissatisfaction of leadership, a fear-driven culture, and a lack of trust and inadequate resource allocation which creates significant barriers to educator success the report concludes that what is needed, soon, are transparent leadership policies, prioritizing staff morale, addressing workload concerns and hopefully then restoring trust, strengthening collaboration and improving retention rates.
The five page report echoes what dozens of people have said via email, telephone and other communications which VeniVidiScripto has reported over the past several months (See Below), namely, there is something seriously wrong and fearful happening between administration and staff within the newly formed Hudson district, and it is something that has been ongoing for more than two years.
According to the report, the Education Association conducted a comprehensive climate survey among membership. Nearly 90 per cent of its members responded with their assessment of workplace conditions, communication, leadership and professional development.
They also gave their opinions on workplace morale and staff retention. “While Henry Hudson educators consistently demonstrate resilience, adaptability and a strong commitment to student success,” the report says, “administrative issues appear to be negatively impacting trust, collaboration and overall job satisfaction.”
The report highlights key findings from the responses that point to widespread dissatisfaction, particularly among the experienced educators , those with more than 19 years experience . It also includes “best practice recommendations” to address each of the pressing concerns raised in the survey.
Describing the situation within the school district as “fear-driven,” the Association members also felt a lack of trust and inadequate resource allocation impede their success and discourage teachers from wanting to stay in the district.
The report concludes with the warning: “Failure to address these issues could result in continued staff turnover, declining morale and worsening school climate – all of which would directly impact student success. Immediate intervention is recommended.”
While the survey summary mentions no names, Dr. Tara Beams is the Superintendent of the three school district and was first approved for the post in July, 2021 by all three boards of education in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
At that time, there were three separate boards of education; all voted unanimously for Beams contract to be renewed and extended it to five years in 2024, when her contract was due for renewal.
At that time, the boroughs had approved a single regional school district, and the board members of the interim board that voted for the contract renewal were drawn from the three former school boards and were in office for six months until the first elected board of the new regional school district was voted into office last November.
The superintendent’s annual salary is currently listed at $187,272 plus benefits.
Other members of the district administration team are the business administrator, Janet Sherlock, Director of Special Services, Dr. Denise Lombardi, Director of Special services, Andrew Teeple, Interim Director of curriculum and instruction and Anthony Neggers, Superintendent of facilities and grounds.
The Education Association’s report points out with nearly 90 per cent of its members responding to the survey, the large desire to express strong opinions “underscores the urgency and importance of the concerns raised” and highlights widespread issues affecting staff across the three schools.
There did not seem to be any complaints against the principals of each of the three schools; in fact the survey includes statements favorable to each of the three, with one indicating “our principal is capable, but they are clearly not allowed to lead effectively or make decisions independently.”
Fear appears to be a driving force among the criticisms of administration…comments like “staff afraid to speak up in fear of retaliation,” and “the superintendent is more focused on controlling the narrative than actually supporting educations.” “we don’t feel safe expressing our concerns anymore.” Or “teachers have been called in to be reprimanded by administration, told it was not disciplinary, told it is not a conversation (admin only speaking) and given a directive not to speak about it.” Point to the fear of losing a job or having difficulty in finding a job after leaving Hudson. As one staff member said, “I am scared to even speak honestly about issues in the school, because retaliation is a real problem. This is not what education is supposed to feel like.”
That teachers feel unappreciated or distrusted by administration are evidenced in quotes that “decisions …are made by the superintendent without any input from teachers” or “ we don’t hear about changes until they are already happening.” Or “It feels like our opinions don’t matter.”
Communication is also a major problem, “a major issue,” as one teacher said. “When we ask for clarity, we get vague answers or are ignored entirely.”
Probably the saddest summary in the report, particularly for parents, are the challenges especially among special education teachers. One out of three special education teachers showed an intent to leave for reasons that include “special education needs are being overlooked, and it’s making student success even harder. Teachers can only do so much without support.”
With 88 percent of the comments on the climate questions in the report negative, low morale is the most frequently mentioned issue. Which probably points to the indication that, like several dozen employees who have left the school district in the last three years, nearly half the current the staff are apparently looking for leaving the district many have been happy and effective in for more than two decades.
To see the complete Climate Survey Summary Report of the Henry Hudson Regional Education Association,Click the Link Below
Past Stories on the Climate at Henry Hudson Regional School District
Raises for Admin, Layoffs for Staff
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