Dear Board of Education,

Ripley Central School has always been a district that the teachers of RCS have taken great pride in belonging to. As teachers in a small district, we have the great advantage and pleasure to watch our students throughout their elementary education grow into amazing young boys and girls ready to brave middle school life outside of our small community.

Ripley Central School was a school where decisions were made on a collaborative basis with the best interest of our students in mind. It has also always been a district that experienced great vision from our leaders, and teachers were given respect and support to achieve their goals. We love our students, our school, and serving the board and the community.

Throughout the past few school years, we have had concerns regarding the leadership at Ripley Central School. Our concerns include: communication, trust, collaboration, decision making, vision, and the lack of respect and bullying of staff. We also believe that leadership has failed to abide by the vision statement that “Every day, Every child, Every minute counts!” through their lack of presence in the building, professionalism and rash emotional decisions.

The culture of our school has become one of hostility, favoritism, fear and anxiety. Due to this hostile work environment, on Dec. 12, 2017, the Ripley Education Association held a vote of no confidence on the leadership of Ripley Central School. The results of this vote emphasized this hostile work environment with the clear majority in support of the vote of no confidence.

The REA is requesting that the Ripley Central School Board of Education considers our vote before the renewal of any leadership contract at the end of this school year. Thank you for taking your time to hear our concerns and acknowledge our efforts to make this the best environment for students, staff and the community. We would be glad to discuss this further at your convenience.

Thank you,

Ripley Education Association