Photo by Brian Ray
Retired teacher and current Steamboat Springs High School basketball coach Kelly Meek speaks in strong support of the school's principal, Mike Knezevich, during the public comment section of the Steamboat Springs School Board's open meeting Monday night. The board voted Monday night to postpone a decision on Knezevich's contract until June 9.
Principal decision still uncertain
School Board delays vote on Knezevich contract
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Knezevich: Many inaccuracies in editorial
The purpose of this letter is to provide clarification of the Editorial Board's view stated in the March 23, 2008, issue of the newspaper. There were many inaccurate statements and assumptions made about the meeting, its purpose and what was stated. I do not want this to become another controversy for the district and that is why I did not respond to the paper's past phone calls or requests for interviews regarding this matter. The primary focus at the high school now and always has been to provide the best education for our students.
The paper did correctly report that a staff meeting was held Wednesday, March 19. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an accurate and factual statement of the existing situation. I began the meeting explaining, "I respect this staff too much for you to hear this information via rumor, through the newspaper, or to read it through the SSSD board minutes."
I informed the staff that I had been provided with three options regarding my employment:
1. Resignation
2. Non-renewal
3. The extension of the renewal deadline for the Board of Education to take action in the renewal or non-renewal of my contract no later than June 23, 2008.
Given the option of the extension, I would have the opportunity to improve in the areas addressed in my evaluation. I relayed to the staff that I would not be resigning and I would be talking with them and asking for feedback and suggestions on how they felt I could improve in these areas.
I did not ask people to rally behind me. I shared information from a letter that Dr. Smyser wrote to the staff: "I know that you are hearing rumors and are concerned about the status of your principal's job for next year. At Monday night's Board meeting the Board will be taking action on all principal's contracts. In order to allow for your comments, they will be starting at 5:30 and listening to comments in executive session (because this is a personnel matter). Please feel free to come if you would like to speak with them..."
I closed the meeting stating, "One of the things that I have always been very proud of our building is that through the many issues that the district has faced over the years, the high school has stayed out of the politics and have gone about our business of educating the students." I concluded by saying, "I know that this will not become a distraction and that our focus will remain what is best for our students." At that time I left the meeting.
I want to reiterate that my purpose for the meeting was to provide a factual basis to the situation from me first rather than through rumor, board minutes and the newspaper.
Since that time, I have heard of a petition that is being circulated. I have never supported the circulation of the petition or even referenced the petition, let alone rallied people to sign it. There would be no negative consequences for people who do not sign the petition. I am concerned with the education of the students at the high school, not who did or did not sign a petition that I have not endorsed.
The education of the high school students will always be the priority of the staff at Steamboat Springs High School.
Respectfully,
Mike Knezevich
Principal, Steamboat Springs
High School
Steamboat Springs — In a tense meeting Monday night, the Steamboat Springs School Board postponed a decision on the fate of Steamboat Springs High School Principal Mike Knezevich.
The board voted, 3-2, to wait until June 9 to vote on renewal or non-renewal of Knezevich's contract for the 2008-09 school year. The vote came after board member Lisa Brown moved to approve Knezevich's contract. The board rejected that motion, 3-2.
More than 50 people attended the meeting. Several rose to speak, including a few teachers, and nearly all expressed full support for Knezevich.
School Athletics and Activities Director Richard Lee spoke in favor of keeping the principal. Lee said he worked in administrative roles in Alaska schools for 16 years.
"I know a good administrator when I see one," Lee said. "Mike Knezevich is a good one."
Lee and several others said they thought Knezevich should be given time to make changes and solve whatever issues had arisen. Because the contract discussion was a personnel issue, the board did not explain why it was considering not renewing Knezevich's contract.
When the board asked those who supported the principal to raise their hands, nearly everyone did so. When the board asked for those unhappy with Knezevich to raise their hands, none went up.
Board member John DeVincentis spoke at length. He said that opting not to renew Knezevich's contract would be unfair in part because the principal was not notified about problems and given time to rectify them.
"These remarks are not to say that someone did something wrong," DeVincentis said. "This is just not right."
Board members acknowledged that delaying the contract decision - and thus leaving Knezevich's fate up in the air - could cause turmoil and divisiveness at the high school.
"It also puts the employee in a difficult situation, not knowing what's going on," interim Superintendent Sandra Smyser said. "But it does allow us to put an action plan in place."
Brown said she moved to approve Knezevich's contract because of that concern. When the motion failed, the board approved the delay. Brown, DeVincentis and Denise Connelly voted in favor of the delay. Board member Laura Anderson and board President Robin Crossan voted against it.
The board is required to act on administrators' contracts by April 1.
Members were allowed to move back the date of renewal because Knezevich agreed to it, Smyser said.
The decision sent up unhappy murmurs in the crowd, and most left the room at Centennial Hall in anger. Many stayed to discuss the decision in the foyer, though few were willing to speak on the record.
Parent Luke Tellier expressed some hope for a resolution.
"Mike Knezevich and the board ought to be able to work this out," he said.
After the meeting, Knezevich expressed thanks to those who backed him.
"I appreciate everyone who came and showed support," he said. "I plan to do everything I can to meet the desires of the School Board, and I hope I get a fair shot."
Break moved back
The board voted on another contentious issue Monday: the school calendar.
Spring break in 2009 had been set to begin April 13, a day after the Steamboat Ski Area plans to close. Some parents have complained that they will be busy with end-of-season work that week and would not have time to vacation with their families.
The district typically goes on break a week after the ski area shuts down.
Several parents attended Monday's meeting to express their frustration with the proposed date, saying the community did not have enough of a chance to provide feedback and that many parents who work in hospitality probably would take their children out later in April anyway.
Kristin Wilson represented the District Accountability Committee, which set the dates. She said spring break was set for April 13 because Steamboat juniors, who are required by state law to take the ACT as a measurement of school quality, miss the first testing date with the late spring break. Then all juniors must take it on the makeup date, she said.
The board determined that the number of students who still miss the test - three last year, DeVincentis said - had little effect on the school's ratings. Members voted, 3-2, to move the break back a week to April 20 and to then approve the calendar. Brown and Crossan opposed the change.
- To reach Blythe Terrell, call 871-4234
or e-mail bterrell@steamboatpilot.com
Comments
townie 5 years, 2 months ago
Mike is a great person. A few unhappy people should not be able to decide that he is no longer the principal. Last night showed that MOST people support Mike. I am sick of hearing from the few unhappy. This board needs to keep an excellent principal.
weallnutz 5 years, 2 months ago
Just like many other things the unhappy people whine the loudest, only to find out they are extremely outnumbered by the happy ones. There is not a person on the board with more class, respect, experience, or tenure than Kelly Meek, when he speaks all should listen!! Mike's a good guy the way Smyser has handled this should make us glad she is headed to Eagle.
dogd 5 years, 2 months ago
Coloradobu: " Harvard School of Mediocrity" does not resonate, is innaccurate, and if it is an example of the kind of thinking which supports the guy- ....see ya Mike.
zzzz 5 years, 2 months ago
Crossan and Anderson obviously have a hidden agenda. Symser's recommendation was to extend the contract and they voted against it. What a mistake it was voting them onto the board.
MtnWarlock 5 years, 2 months ago
I wonder where all the anti-Knezevich people were last night? It does not seem that any attended the board meeting. Why? Because nobody raised their hand when asked the question;
When the board asked those who supported the principal to raise their hands, nearly everyone did so. When the board asked for those unhappy with Knezevich to raise their hands, none went up.
I wonder why board members Crossan and Andersons hand did not go up, when the question was asked by Dr D? Didn't Crossan and Anderson vote against Knezevich's renewal? This makes me wonder who was behind the decision to motion not to renew Knezevich's contract in the first place. One could only speculate why Lisa Brown had a change of heart on this decision? Because the earlier account of the reporting articles of this situation, it seems to me that the reports made it sound like Connelly and Dr D. were the only opposition to renew Knezevich. Maybe Knezevich has dodged a bullet this time however, June is yet another hurdle he must face under scrutiny of the opposition! That leaves about three months of time for improvements! I am still in deep wonder why this personnel issue made the paper. I guess it filled the page with ink and gave us something to read.
mominboat 5 years, 2 months ago
I find it unfair to Mike Knezevich, the parents, coaches students and teachers to not renew his contract. If they do not renew June 9th the scramble for him to find a new job and the high school to find a new principal sets up a summer of stress.
Mike is a man of integrity and principal; he knows how to set goals and act upon change. Perhaps communication is the key amongst everyone involved, faculty included. Does Knezevich get evaluated from staff via a principal's survey? Perhaps a forum for the staff to express their concerns and offer suggestions would facilitate cohesion. Are policies in place to help him evaluate staff fairly without a feeling of retribution or repercussion? How does he try to implement a new program without the funding of the district? It seems that he needs more support from the superintendent and the framework (e.g. policies, board withdrawal from micromanagement of schools, open communication between staff members and administration....)
Now we have to convince Mike and Katie Knezevich that it is worth staying. Would you blame them?
Crossan and Anderson need to back off of their personal agendas and work on positive change, not radical ax jobs that will produce horrific results.
River 5 years, 2 months ago
I agree with what the Pilot stated in the "Our View" section. I also agree with each article written. As a teacher at the High School, I know first hand how difficult Mr. Knezevich is to work with and how real retribution is. Mike is a nice guy, but many of us feel he does not have the skill set to be the principal.
Mike, you stated in the staff meeting and your letter to the paper, "I know that this will not become a distraction and that our focus will remain what is best for our students." At that time I left the meeting." First, You made this a distraction by making this public and not taking the resignation and leaving quietly. Second, you left the meeting with the knowledge that certain staff would be starting the petition and they would rally and support you at the board meeting (I don't think you have ever left a staff meeting first, especially stating "I'm going to leave now" and not another person moves knowing there is more to come.
Out of a town of more than ten thousand, a high school of more than 600 (400+ families) and teachers and staff...How many came to support Mike at the board meeting...40ish? I don't see a big support there, in fact, I see very little support. One parent, a couple of teachers, one coach and the Athletic Director (and that says very little). The majority of us would like Mike to step down, we just can't say it in public in front of him, we value our jobs and relationship with other teachers. We have already said it to him and in surveys, this is a long time coming.
This is not a matter of popularity but if a person can do a job well, and Mike does not do the job well.
School Board and Dr. Smyser, please take heed of all of those phone calls and e-mails.
Mike, please step down, take the resignation and leave quietly, please.
bcpow 5 years, 2 months ago
My guess is that there are a number of people who feel like river. I am thankful for Kevin who is very approachable and a pleasure to work with. But I think the way this thing is going down sucks. If this board is trying to clean out Donna's hires be up front about it. Otherwise document Mike's weaknesses and give him a set time to show improvement. Do we have to have a school board drama every other season?
justice4all 5 years, 2 months ago
To the Steamboat Today ref the "Our View" section of your news paper. I and many that I have spoken with, feel that the articles your board writes is definately "your view" and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the majority of your readers. We all know that any news service is very influential and convey opinions that are not necessarily fully factual or do not contain complete information. The mere opinion written can be taken as fact by many that do not have the resources or time to research any given topic. I ask. "Is this fair"? Sometimes you make a retraction or correction of your editorial but by then readers opinions are already formed based on what they have already read. Sometimes readers do not see the correction and the damage is done to the innocent. Leave the opinions to the readers-----unedited. If you truely want opinions,honor everyones'.
sportzmama 5 years, 2 months ago
Ok, I've been out of town and not able to really follow this, but in reference to the anti-Knez. people at the Board meeting: DUH! This is a sensitive issue and if a parent speaks out in public, the chances are very real that some sort of retaliation may take place towards their child, same with any teacher that speaks out. It's sad, and rather true or not, that's the culture this district has fostered. Keep your mouth shut or watch out and see what happens.
I've had the opportunity to work with Mike, and on a personal level he's a great guy. I can't speak to his managemant skills in running a high school that's growing by leaps and bounds so I won't.
Something needs to be done now so that he and his family can plan. It's difficult for an administrator to get another position for the following year if they don't have enough time to plan. It also needs to be handled soon just so we can continue to keep moving forward.
Personally, I am surprised there isn't another administrator "on the chopping block" as I have found that administrator to be rude, arrogant and mostly unwilling to work within the rules set forth for all administrators. I was honestly bummed about not seeing that name.
twostroketerror 5 years, 2 months ago
bc, looking at the past couple years, it seems to me the board has more of a deep seated need for constant drama, not just every other season. Also, is this the pilot informing the public, or simply doing all it can to induce mass hysteria in all school related matters to boost readership and get knuckle heads like me to write in?
BowWow1 5 years, 1 month ago
Bottom line people! This is a employee personnel issue! If teachers get poor evals and their administrator feels they should not be renewed they have very few options and certainly don't expect to have petitions and public meetings to get support for their renewal. The BOE supports the administrative recommendation and the teacher either resigns in the spring or they are non renewed. Sportsmama I agree with you that the non supporters of Mike wouldn't dare show up at a public meeting especially if they have kids at the high school or teach there! It is called common sense and protect your own butt. Like River many of them are silently rooting on the sidelines for Mike to leave or be non renewed. Also to the sympathizers wondering what Mike and Katie will do if he is non renewed in June--Hellloooo! He had the choice to resign and start looking for a job a week or so ago! That was his choice to drag this out and battle in public. So whatever happens is now up to him and how he fulfills his action plan.
sunflowergirl9999 5 years, 1 month ago
Karma. His past bad decisions are coming back to haunt him. He is being treated how he has treated others.
weallnutz 5 years, 1 month ago
river and other teachers complaining on here........ if you feel so strongly about getting rid of Knezevich show leadership and stand up and be counted. I'm sure retribution would be hard to put on you now that all this is so public. If the people who want Mike to leave can't even stand up and say so and use this forum to stab him in the back, then they aren't the type who's opinion should matter. You're the type teaching our kids how to be responsible adults?? What ever happend to stand up for what you believe in no matter what the consequences....way to show our kids a sleazy cowardly way to approach your issues!
stmbtgrad05 5 years, 1 month ago
During my four years at Steamboat Springs High School (Aug 2001- June 2005) Mr. Knezevich was assistant principal. Many of my peers didn't really like him, but I disagreed for the most part. I was part of Student Leadership and worked pretty closely with Knez on a few things. I thought he was charismatic and nice... what a high school principal should be.
However, from what I have heard (from my younger brother and other students) I think it is safe to say that the power given to Mr. Knezevich with the title of "Principal" has gone to his head. He is exercising his power over students and teachers for no reason.... except that he can. He outlawed the homecoming bonfire, which has been a standing tradition for decades. Nothing bad really ever happened at any of the four bonfires I attended, I think he just didn't want to deal with it. He has also proposed the use of security cameras and drug dogs inside the high school.
SSHS should be a pretty cool place to go to high school. It's small, everyone knows everyone, the building is beautiful, the whole town shows up to sporting events, there is a definite unity among the students.... yet somehow kids still refer to it as "prison" or "hell with fluorescent lighting."
Maybe if the administration was more concerned with student rights and less concerned with impeding harmless high school fun the dropout rate at SSHS wouldn't be as outrageously high as it is.
abbeycat314 5 years, 1 month ago
As a graduate of SSHS myself I have to agree with grad05. Knezevich was horendous when it came to the arts, sciences, and student rights in general, but if you want a new artifical turf field, he's the man to go to.
BowWow1 5 years, 1 month ago
Weallnutz: You clearly have never worked in education or the corporate world where those who have power are in control of your evaluations and somehow, someway get rid of those employees who venture to speak out about their boss or don't kiss butt. Careers have been crushed by zealot bosses.
But thank goodness for Karma - what goes around comes around, even if it takes a while.
another_local 5 years, 1 month ago
According to the story, Anderson and Crossan voted against the postponement of the process. This is a good vote if they have reached a decision and is more fair to Mr Knezevich by not delaying the decision. I think some folks are missing some of the detail in the story and thinking that the two of them, with that vote, blocked the contract extension. This is not the case.
Brown said she moved to approve the contract extension. That motion failed 3-2. We do not know for sure who voted how but I think it is a good bet from other statements in the story that the votes in favor of the contract extension were only her and Dr D.
It is a curious thing that the failure of that motion did not end the issue right there but the motion was to approve the extension rather than a motion to deny the extension which leaves the issue open. The support at the meeting must have convinced someone that some additional consideration of the issues was in order leading to a postponement.
Honestly, it seems to me that this issue is being handled fairly. Perhaps there is one member who was not ready to approve the contract but was also not ready to cut off discussion? I do have to wonder what the negative issues in job performance are that we are not hearing about. We are, perhaps catching a glimpse through the comments of teachers but since it is a personel matter, we are only hearing half the story at most.
hmmmm 5 years, 1 month ago
River, you are a teacher at the high school who is blogging during school hours????? Maybe you should be teaching or planning during school hours. I doubt a teacher is using school hours to do this so most likely you are a disgruntled past employee who wasn't renewed because of your performance. Maybe you should have gone to the school board meeting to see that most of the high school teachers were in attendance and in suupport of Mike. Mike, you're a good guy - don't let the few vocal minority get to you.
zzzz 5 years, 1 month ago
The parents at the board meeting spoke very highly of Mike. Kids are kids and some will get in trouble and because of that not like the principal or assisstant principal. This forum is filled with people who complain, complain, complain. The mountain isn't opening, traffic is bad, they don't get a free ski pass.... The people who spoke at the board meeting showed that most people in this town aren't negative and that this blog isn't a reflection of the town's thoughts, but just those who always have something they are upset about.
townie 5 years, 1 month ago
Mike has a great relationship with many of the kids at the school and because of that spoke against having security cameras in the school. The Pilot stated that Mike didn't want the security cameras in the school even though some board members did.
weallnutz 5 years, 1 month ago
BowWow, have both worked in a highschool and within a corporation, as well as running a rather large one. I have found that kissing butt never really gets you very far, successful people appreciate honesty, even when it is not what they want to hear. Works in government and business....oh and you can sleep at night being much less spineless and sniveling. If a career gets crushed because of approaching somebody face to face and giving an honest opinion, then perhaps the career was not in your best interest. In fact I bet that is what some teachers have a hard time with Mike about, he is honest, even when that honesty is not what they want to hear, teachers are used to being politically correct and expect their boss to be as soft with them. Problem is, most times political correctness gets in the way of the truth.
sunflowergirl9999 5 years, 1 month ago
Hmmmm... Very rarely do they non-renew teachers at SSHS. In my 10 years there, maybe 4 or 5. Interesting how you use that argument. (You used it with me before) Time for another.
You're right there were a lot of teachers there in his favor because he already ran so many off. It is not a minority and more will drop like flies for this. It is sad because the kids get screwed. I am very sad about all this.
armchairqb 5 years, 1 month ago
First I would like to say that I did work for the district for 2 years (but not at the HS) I left because the pay was too low & could make much more waiting tables (what a shame) I have 2 kids that have gone thru the system & was ALWAYS happy with Mike & all his decisions. Believe me his job is not easy. Parents & kids were not always helpful or respectful. You might not like everything Mike had to say, but you knew it was the truth. He's at all the school fuctions (sometimes until the wee hours) He's tough (where it needs to be tough) Just remember one thing people....be careful what you wish for. At least we know where we stand with Mike, not sure what you will get as a replacement. Especially after candidates read all the crap that is happeneing in this town. Low wages, expensive housing, and a town that can't seem to get along. Boy....who said that this town was "100 % friendly"??????
ssmom93 5 years, 1 month ago
Utterly amazing how people love to hide behind their keyboards and attack others on this forum. Such arrogance and vitriol spewing! Easy to do when you're anonymous and "spineless"! These are strictly OPINIONS which you have the right to disagree, but be RESPECTFUL of others! Retribution does occur and no one (staff, parents or students) is immune, "now that all this is so public." River, sunflowergirl, sportzmama and BowWow1, thank you for sharing your views. To Brent and the rest of the editorial board, great job!
Kevin Nerney 5 years, 1 month ago
MIKE don't listen to all the bologna coming out of this blog. listen to your heart.. Believe me it sucks when the whole world knows when you blow your nose. and yes the whole world knows that's why it called the world wide web. city council should not be the Pirates' Pub personel director and the school district shouldn't air it 's dirty laundry in public. Whatever the concerns are should be between the district and the parents, not someone 2000 miles away in NY or Fla. or wherever you may go looking for employment sometime in the future. Hang tough pal. Kevin
carson 5 years, 1 month ago
Let's let the board make this decision. Everyone needs to quit bashing Mike and others using this forum. If you have something you want the board or the superintendent to know, tell them. They need to hear both sides.
bikegirl 5 years, 1 month ago
3 kids and 3 principals later,I think Mr.Knezevich is doing a good job.I hope he stays,and continues trough my childs senior year.People aren't perfect.My family is very satisfied with the high school staff,I think it is the best we have had in the past several years.
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