Parents, taxpayers deserve facts, not rumors and speculation
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
An old maxim suggests wisdom is “knowing what you don’t know.”
Well, it appears that when it comes to the Coatesville Area School District, we are all wise beyond our years.
Here’s what we do know: CASD Superintendent of Schools Richard Como has resigned/retired effective Sept. 2 and while word of this circulated around the school district and beyond for days, the district refused to discuss it or keep anyone in the loop. We worked the story for days until, finally, we had such a tidal wave of sources reporting Como’s departure that we felt the need to inform the community.
Those are the facts as we know them. We also know this: People are angry and they want answers, sooner rather than later.
There’s a lot more out there right now, and we’re working really hard to separate rumor from reality and won’t repeat those rumors and even engage in speculation — but grab a seat at the counter at The Little Chef or the DoubleD Diner and I’m betting you’ll get up to speed pretty quickly on some of the dire things going around the community right now.
If only a tiny portion of what is out there turns out to be true, you may well be seeing headlines for weeks.
Personally, as much as it might help our business and generate even faster growth for The Times, the last thing CASD or the Coatesville community needs is another punch to the gut. Maybe I’m a lousy businessman, but I’d rather see our pages pilled with stories about kids doing amazing things at Rainbow Elementary, or parks being built and new businesses opening in Thorndale than another story about a trusted public figure being under investigation.
And with no information, and the history of misbehavior in the area, it’s not surprising when people assume the worst. For the CASD, the information lockdown seems to be an institutional issue.
As we saw with the pump failure at East Fallowfield Elementary School Monday, CASD seems to suffer from a profound inability or unwillingness to tell folks what’s going on.
Instead of letting parents know Monday that there were issues, CASD reopened the building Tuesday without working water — and it appears only one set of working bathrooms was available for 400-plus students and staff. Only on Tuesday, after kids were already in school and the Chester County Health Department shut the school, was there any meaningful communication with parents.
And it is much the same with the late Thursday night announcement that Como would retire, effective Sunday. We question whether any statement would have been issued this week had we not published reports of Como’s departure.
And frankly, the entire circumstance — and again, a lack of credible explanation and execution — doesn’t smell right, and again invites rumor and speculation.
School superintendents don’t typically suddenly wake up and decide to retire. Typically, that happens after weeks or months of discussions with school board members and an exit plan is developed to smooth the process for students and staff.
That, of course, begs the question: Why the rush?
Which, in turn, leads to a lot of other questions and few answers, whether it be from school administrators, officials or school board members.
Meanwhile, because there are no official answers, rumors are running rampant — some of which are likely far worse than the truth, not to mention the damage to the reputation of those mentioned in rumors that may not have any basis in fact.
It is far beyond the time for transparency, but answers must be forthcoming. The students, parents and taxpayers of the Coatesville Area School District deserve nothing less. We will continue to press for them, but suggest that if those answers do not come, a flurry of phone calls, emails, letters and even in-person visits to the Benner Administration Building might finally prompt a response.
At the end of the day, these folks work for you. Remind them of that fact and that it’s high time for the boss to get some answers.
Coatesville is a loss. I attended Coatesville, graduated, and afterward achieved several degrees. I did so while becoming more and more disgusted with CASD as my scholarly grades accrued. Coatesville is sullied by incompetent staff and leadership. Wish the best for your children because I would not employ them.
Mr. McGann,
Thank you for reporting on this very important matter for the people living in CASD. I agree that this is a slap in the face to those that live in this area. For the past decade, this School District has received a bad rap, and in some cases may be even deserving.
It is time for ALL CASD constituents to come out to the School Board meetings and voice their concerns…too many people are complaining from behind the sidelines. The taxes at CASD are sky high…the promise of attracting/retaining businesses never took place!!! The City of Coatesville, City Council does nothing to help Coatesville tax payers…not to mention the crime is getting worst!
STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT!
It should be obvious by now , to the board and administration, that honest and timely communication with the community is the first step to solve the current situation. Perhaps they need a reminder that the coatesville area community will not tolerate the manipulation of dishonesty and disrespect.
I really just question why it is SO hard to run this school district. If Great Valley can do it, if West Chester can do it, if Downingtown can do it, heck! even Octorara, why can’t Coatesville!?