To the Berea School District Board of Education,

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens, parents, alumni, and community members of Berea, Kentucky, who are deeply committed to the welfare of our beloved school system. Berea Community School holds a unique and cherished place in the lives of many generations of families. As alumni of this school, including myself, my mother, and my children, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact this school has had on its students, families, and the larger Berea community. It is with great sadness that we see the challenges the district now faces due to mismanagement under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Diane Hatchett.

The recent reports of the district’s financial mismanagement, including excessive and unjustifiable travel expenses, have placed an unnecessary strain on the very fabric of our educational system. The per capita income in Berea is around, $26,600, and Dr. Hatchett has spent almost double that in travel in this school year alone, with expenses of $41,626.  Dr. Hatchett's disregard for prudent fiscal responsibility has led to the non-renewal of numerous contracts for teachers and staff, many of whom are integral to the quality of education our children receive. These cuts are not only detrimental to our school community but are also a direct result of failed leadership at the top.

Despite the efforts of dedicated teachers and staff who have worked tirelessly to provide a nurturing and effective learning environment, the financial mismanagement by Dr. Hatchett has undermined their work and caused unnecessary hardship for many families. The loss of these jobs could have been avoided with better oversight, more responsible decision-making, and greater transparency in how taxpayer money is spent. Our community deserves better.

As an alumnus of Berea Community School and a parent whose children have benefitted from the education provided, I believe that immediate action is necessary to safeguard the future of our school system. Therefore, I respectfully request the immediate resignation of Dr. Diane Hatchett from her position as Superintendent of Berea Schools.

This action is vital to restoring trust in our educational leadership and ensuring that our children’s education is not compromised due to mismanagement and poor decision-making. We call upon the Berea School District Board of Education to act in the best interests of the students, parents, and educators by accepting Dr. Hatchett’s resignation and working to ensure that the necessary reforms are implemented to restore financial stability and integrity to our schools.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Kerry Cummins