To the Board of Education and the Community of Rocky River School District,

We, the undersigned parents, students, educators, and concerned community members, are calling for a "Vote of No Confidence" in the following administrators:

Michael G. Shoaf, Superintendent

Elizabeth Anderson, Assistant Superintendent

Samuel Gifford, Executive Director of Human Resources

Jennifer Norman, Executive Director of Pupil Services

 

The Urgent Crisis We Must Address
We, the undersigned parents, students, educators, and concerned community members, are compelled to voice our deep concerns about the current state of our school district's leadership. Despite our district's Blue Ribbon status, a mark of educational excellence, we find ourselves in a situation that is anything but excellent. For years, troubling reports about the administration's conduct have been more than just whispers; they have been lived experiences for many. From allegations of intimidation and unethical practices to a lack of transparency and accountability, these issues have created an environment that is not conducive to quality education or community trust. It's a stark contrast that while our schools win awards, the administration's actions—or lack thereof—have been a disservice to our community's reputation and well-being.

 

The Change We Need

We call upon our elected board members to not just hear but to actively listen and respond to the collective voice of this community. This is your elected duty. Engage in a genuine reflection on the state of our district, and consider what actions will truly bring unity and progress.

We're not just asking for change; we're demanding it. We need a fresh start, a clean slate, and a renewed commitment to the values that should define our community. For the sake of our children, our educators, and our collective future, we insist that you initiate this new beginning by making the tough but necessary decisions that the situation warrants.

 

The Evidence We Present

Emotional and Mental Health, Anti-Bullying, and Inclusion

Our schools profess a commitment to the emotional and mental well-being of students, as well as to anti-bullying initiatives and inclusive environments. However, the actions of Superintendent Michael G. Shoaf and his administration suggest otherwise. On paper, we have programs and policies aimed at safeguarding our children, but the reality is far from what's promised.

One glaring example is the issue of bullying. Despite numerous parents reporting incidents of bullying to the administration, year after year, our district astonishingly reports zero cases. This discrepancy is not just a statistical anomaly; it's a betrayal of trust and a clear indication that our board is being misled. When parents and teachers have tried to address these and other concerns, they've often been met with silence, deflection, or even retaliation from the administration. 

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

It's alarming that multiple incidents involving teachers and staff have occurred under Superintendent Shoaf's watch. These incidents range from inappropriate relationships between staff and students to other forms of misconduct that have made headlines. Each of these incidents chips away at the safe, nurturing environment our children deserve, and they beg the question: What kind of culture is being cultivated under this administration?

Despite the gravity of these issues, there has been a notable lack of transparency from the administration. Information is often withheld, and when provided, it's either too late or too vague. This lack of openness erodes the community's trust and hampers efforts to hold the administration accountable for their actions. 

The administrators in question have demonstrated a pattern of unequal treatment and inconsistent enforcement of rules, creating a climate of favoritism and inequality within our district. This is evident in the disparate handling of recent scandals compared to past incidents. Such inconsistency not only undermines the integrity of the administration but also erodes community trust, ultimately compromising the educational environment for our students.

Our Request

We request that the named administrators either resign or be terminated effective immediately. We believe that a new foundation is essential for the future success and unity of our district.

By signing this petition, we are united in our call for change and committed to the well-being of our community.