Less than a day after it was posted, more than two dozen parents have already signed a petition calling for the ouster of Henry Hudson Regional superintendent Dr. Tara Beams, charging there is a toxic work environment because of her leadership, an environment that is detrimental to the education of students in the three schools in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
The petition, which was started by Kathleen Dimaira is included in its entirety here. It also charges that the decision to hire a superintendent should never be taken lightly, but also points out that teachers deserve to work in an environment where they feel valued and supported in order for children to receive their education from educators who feel fulfilled in their jobs.
The petition follows months of complaints VeniVidiScripto has received from numerous parents who have asked for some kind of help in having Dr. Beams removed as superintendent. Parents in their requests have asked for anonymity from VeniVidiScripto because of their fear of retaliation against their children.
In coming forward with a petition, and with parents having the courage and determination to take strong action the board of education of the Highlands Atlantic Highlands and Henry Hudson schools should become vividly aware of the concerns that have also been inferred in letters some board members have received.
The petition, whose signers remain anonymous, ask that their concerns be taken seriously and ask board members to consider the impact the current superintendent is having on educational progress. The petition notes their feeling that a change in leadership would be beneficial not only to the children but the faculty as well. The petitioners ask board members to “take steps to make this happen as soon as possible.”
The petition becomes public at the same time as mayors, business administrators, council members and attorneys from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands are meeting today to mediate a cost sharing agreement between the two boroughs should a question of regionalization with Sea Bright and the three current schools be placed on the ballot in November and approved by the three towns. There have been numerous meetings during the past year, many with considerable input from Dr. Beams. Neither of the councils, nor any of the three boards of education has ever questioned whether a conflict of interest exists with Dr. Beams being the paid employee under contract with each of the three boards of education whose position would be directly impacted by a change in school organization.
Dr. Beams’ current contract expires June 30 of next year. Should board members not want to renew her contract, under state law, they must advise her by June 30 of this year their plans for termination.
Should the boards rehire her or extend her current contract and the regionalization of schools in any way be approved, her contract would then have to be negotiated, or a new superintendent hired by the new board of education which would be formed by the Commissioner of Education.
If you haven’t read the petition, you can view HERE
