Mrs. Boulton's Speech Text

Speech text from Mrs. Boulton's speech presented at the December meeting:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. As a long time Bernie employee, I have been upset at the recent events that have transpired. The district has a history of a strong relationship between the board, administration and staff. I have been saddened at the events that have the perception of a weakening in this relationship.

At the last board meeting, one position was singled out as being worthy of a mid-year increase in salary. This was a slap in the face to every other employee of this district. It seemed like this position was more important than all of the others. EVERY person in this district is worth at least the $1.00 an hour raise that you gave to the PAT position. We work hard, follow policies set by the board and other governing agencies that apply to us. Yet, even though salaries are set by precedent in June or July, the board took a drastic measure and changed how they had been doing things for years and singled out a position for a raise mid-year. If the intention was to create a feeling of worthlessness, the board succeeded in doing that very thing for every single other position in this district.

The other event that has occurred that has upset me is the violation of the Sunshine Law. I want to commend the board for admitting that you broke the law. You are the head of this district and your example speaks volumes to our students. When our students break the rules, they must face the consequences, whether a warning, detention or something more serious. Whatever the consequence that you each face for this, whether it is a warning or monetary fine, you did the right thing is admitting you broke the law.

This is the strongest administration that I have worked for during my career, both here and at the other districts I worked for before coming to Bernie. They follow the policies that you write and are fair to everyone. I doubt that in the entire state that there is a more focused and dedicated trio of people administering a district. You have done a superb job of hiring this administration. I hope that you will continue to support them as they do the business of the school and follow and enforce the policies of this board and that are mandated by other agencies.

Thank you for your time.