Rumors of wrong information escalated concerns and chaos at Montezuma-Cortez High School, and throughout our community. A news story in The Journal did not help the situation.
The Journal’s story on April 20, quoted a parent who was not named as saying former MCHS Principal Emily Moreland “tried to advocate for her students and staff, and it got her in trouble.” This is not true.
I’m here to talk about what I can, although I’m limited because it’s a personnel matter. Moreland submitted her resignation shortly after spring break with her last day of contract being her final day. After some tense and disturbing situations, I put her on paid administrative leave until the end of the school year.
Let me start with my role in all this – I’m ultimately responsible for every person and every situation in RE-1. For this reason, I need a solid principal at MCHS.
Moreland is well-liked. I like her, too! She excelled at connecting with students. She’s probably an amazing teacher. But this is not a popularity contest. The principal’s job is not a teacher’s job. It carries much responsibility, especially under circumstances that could quickly become dangerous, of which we’ve had at least two.
My number one goal before anything else is safety for students, teachers and staff. I need a competent, confident leader who can take and follow my direction.
This was Moreland’s first year as a principal. One of the first things I told Moreland and all principals was, “No surprises.”
Last fall, I heard from the police, not Moreland – my high school principal – that there was the possibly of a student with a gun at a football game. I met law enforcement at the game. An officer shared a student’s name and a photo with me. At this time, Moreland was not working with police, although she had initially called them. When I arrived, she was in the press box. She knew about the threat of the alleged armed student. She did not communicate this with me. Again, I learned from law enforcement.
This was a rookie mistake. For a second time, I told Moreland, “No surprises,” as we talked about the situation.
This spring, we had a significant teacher behavior incident. I can’t say any more than just this. Moreland sent the staff member home for the day, but did not report the incident to central office. This was a serious reportable offense.
I learned about the situation from a board member. Not my high school principal.
I also gave all principals the directive that lesson plans are required and must align with state standards. Lesson plans are a tool for teachers that help with organization and, ultimately, student achievement. After safety, improved student achievement is my next highest goal. Sure, we have some outstanding students, but I have to consider every student. This is Educational Methods 101.
Other principals followed my instruction. Not Moreland.
Yes, I questioned Moreland’s ability to run the high school during times of intense pressure. In potentially dangerous moments, I had hoped to see strong leadership. I stand by my decision and hope the best for Moreland.
Back to electives, none will be cut. We are adding an elective instructor for the band program, who will work between the middle and high schools. We just hired a Career Technical Education instructor, who can teach woodworking, welding and metal art. The state requires a CTE certified teacher in this area because tools and equipment were purchased with the Perkins Grant program funds for career and technical education initiatives. We couldn’t just hire an art teacher.
Moreland shared incorrect information with teachers that electives would be cut. This inflamed an already tenuous situation after Moreland gave notice. I made my best call, putting her on paid administrative leave.
Other rumors about teachers being disciplined or threatened to be fired over the student walkout are completely false.
Not all RE-1 teachers will be invited back in the fall, but this is based on performance and principals’ recommendations.
Statements made about Moreland and the student walkout were not based in fact, but emotion. Please, we don’t need students to act out other people’s narratives.
Harm was caused. A teacher tried unsuccessfully to extend from last week a protective order against a parent who strongly criticized her over the student walkout. If this had happened, this parent would not have been allowed at graduation. Already, she could not attend a recent awards banquet, where her son was honored.
To the unnamed parent in that story in The Journal, feel free to contact me.
More information will come in school emails to parents, on our RE-1 Facebook page and in this occasional guest column. For now, hold steady. Don’t believe everything you hear or read, and look out for each other. Let’s finish strong. Summer’s almost here.
On a different note, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation named Montezuma-Cortez Middle School one of the top schools for music in the U.S. Now, that’s something to recognize and celebrate. That’s worthy of our attention.
Tom Burris is superintendent of the Montezuma-Cortez School District. Email him at tburris@cortez.k12.co.us.
