||| FROM MARY CAMPANELLA |||
Re: David Johnson’s letter concerning Kari McVeigh: It’s annoying, but not surprising, that Kari McVeigh’s opponent and her followers would trot out these falsehoods for the third time when the truth has been spelled out for them twice already. But since Mr. Johnson believes “it’s crucial that we examine the facts more deeply” let’s do so.
- Kari filled out her retirement papers and then turned in her resignation. She did so because her board wanted her to engage in race-based hiring. She was committed to hiring the most qualified person, a black woman in this case, regardless of the color of their skin. Initially, when asked by her staff and community why she was leaving she told them there were management disagreements. Unhappy with that announcement, her board attempted to fire her. Kari had to hire a lawyer to explain to the board they could not fire someone who had already resigned.
- The board wanted to fire her so they wouldn’t have to pay the benefits guaranteed in her contract and to punish her for telling the truth. Those benefits were part of the district’s standard contract offered to previous superintendents. Kari had not requested them.
- The issue was arbitrated and for substantially less than her contract entitled her to.
- The San Francisco Chronicle got the story wrong. It was sloppy journalism.
- The first time this was raised, by Jack Cory, was when Kari was hired by the San Juan Island School District. They had concluded there was no merit to the story.
- The second time it was raised, by Jack Cory, was when Kari announced her candidacy for the council.
The end. I hope.
But given that David Johnson claims to be concerned that we have “transparency and accountability” shouldn’t he have disclosed that Stephanie Johnson O’Day is his sister?
And just like that any credibility that David Johnson might have hoped for has flown out the window! Thanks for the reveal, Mary.