Survey: Low morale, confidence in school district

BONNERS FERRY — Staff confidence in the superintendent and Board of Trustees for the Boundary County School District is extremely low.

A recent survey completed by 81 staff members show various levels of confidence for leadership in the school district. Certified and classified staff from every school in the district participated.

“Morale is of great concern for our teachers and I’m very concerned about the low vote of confidence in our superintendent and board,” said Kris Taylor.

Confidence in Supt. Richard Conley varied between schools. Staff at Bonners Ferry High School had 11 percent confidence in the superintendent; Boundary County Middle School, zero percent; Valley View Elementary, 17 percent; Mount Hall Elementary, 12 percent; and Naples Elementary had 11 percent confidence.

Confidence in the board of trustees was even less: HS 14 percent, MS zero percent, VV 17 percent, MH zero percent, and NE nine percent.

“I truly want what is best for the children,” said Lisa Iverson, eighth grade language arts teacher, at the May board of trustees meeting. “A common theme is the leadership component.”

Staff have more confidence in the leadership at the individual school level.

High school staff had 11 percent confidence in their principal Kirk Hoff. Middle school staff had 100 percent confidence in their principal Dick Behrens. Valley View staff had 100 percent confidence in their principal Gary Pflueger. Mount Hall Elementary staff had 100 percent confidence and Naples Elementary staff had 82 percent confidence in their principal Jim Nash.

“A big area of concern is teacher retention and morale,” said Iverson. “There is a breakdown from leaders.”

Survey results were presented at the May trustees meeting. The board and superintendent did not respond to the results.