(Manitou Springs, Colorado) — Community members met at Manitou Springs Middle School Monday night to discuss the turnover rate in District 14.
Starting in April, a group of parents began asking questions about the district’s turnover rate and why staff were leaving the district. .
H’Krih Shelhamer, a member of Stand Up for Manitou, said how upsetting it was to see many of her family’s close teachers leaving school.
“It really saddens me to see so many people we know personally are no longer here,” Schellhammer said. “When it seemed obvious that I was passionate about teaching, or passionate about working with children in general.”
Parent groups conducted exit polls with third-party groups to find out why staff left the district.
“We actually reached out to the board and requested an investigation, but nothing happened,” said Shelham. “So the time has come when we need to take action ourselves.”
The survey results showed two main reasons why staff are not continuing to teach at Manitou Springs.
“Unfortunately, we’ve found that the district’s culture is alienating these people and district leaders,” says Shelhame.
Stand Up for Manitou published these findings and called on the board to improve the educational environment based on these findings.
“What we want now is for the school board to act on that information.” It’s up to them to do their job of making sure.”
Other participants at the conference had dissenting opinions and needed a change of mind within the district.
Mary Tatum, a parent of a Manitou graduate, said, “We believe that it is the few voices who are unhappy with the change, and that change can be very painful.” Admittedly, I don’t mean it’s bad.”
Tatum asked some questions at the meeting. For example, whether the survey interviewed staff currently teaching in the district.
“The survey, what they wanted to say, is how I look at it. They only interviewed people who left,” Tatum said. I didn’t interview people who stayed in the district their entire careers…and voices that might have other opinions to offer in terms of general culture, and perhaps good feelings about some of the changes here I didn’t get a voice that might have.”
Following the board meeting, a statement was released by Dr. Elizabeth A. Domang, Superintendent of Manitou Springs School District 14. Read the full statement:
Thanks to the former employee for pointing this issue out. While we are aware of the many reasons some employees left school districts (over a year or two ago), this information provides another data point for improvement. There is always an opportunity to grow and your feedback is helpful.
Invite ex-employees to discuss concerns and ideas that will help you progress. My door is always open and I am always happy to speak in hallways, driveways, games and community events.
Our new HR team continues a very successful practice in recruiting and retaining employees for all positions. is leading the For example, we are excited to roll out Let’s Talk (via K12 Insights) to all staff, students and parents. This is a platform for sharing concerns and celebrations via an online platform where people can choose to remain anonymous.
I work with school boards to encourage community engagement and dialogue with all stakeholders. This is facilitated by groups outside of Manitou Springs.
As with anything related to staff, we cannot discuss personal confidentiality.
Elizabeth A. Domang, Ph.D.
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