Schools

It's 'a New Chapter' for Strongsville Schools, Superintendent Says

First School Board meeting since teachers' strike is low key; only 3 parents speak

 

Superintendent John Krupinski called on staff, parents and the community to come together in the wake of the eight-week teachers strike, which came to an end at the beginning of this week. 

"As we begin this new chapter, we still have the same goal -- to work together as a team," Krupinski said at a School Board meeting Thursday night.

Find out what's happening in Strongsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The meeting was low-key and sparsely attended, in sharp contrast to the last session, when more than 700 people filled the auditorium at Strongsville High School.

Only one police officer guarded the hallway, and only three people asked to speak during the public comment session.

Find out what's happening in Strongsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The strike's aftermath nonetheless set the tone for the meeting:

• Parent Peggy Uhler said she was disappointed in the board for including a no-reprisal clause in the teachers' new contract that apprently forgives missed classes for students who did not attend school -- and even walked on picket lines -- during the strike, while other students went to class and earned their grades.

"You guys caved and gave into the bullies in the SEA," Uhler said.

Krupinski indicated the absences will, in fact, be taken into account. "Attendnce is very important to us," he said. "We'll take a look at that."

• Parent Bill Glacken asked how the district would accommodate parents who don't want their children in certain teachers' classes next year. 

Krupinski said one option is to request the child attend a different building. 

• Assistant Superintendent Cameron Ryba said that complaints coming in from parents this week about teachers' actions during the strike are being largely handled by building principals. Parents' thoughts and feelings are being taken into account, he said, to "put students and teachers in the best situations possible."

• Ron Masa complained not only about the district being unprepared with substitutes when the strike began, but about his calls and e-mails to Krupinski going unanswered.

Krupinski apologized and offered to meet one-on-one. "I would look forward to the opportunity to speak with you," he said.

"If we dropped the ball, I'm sorry," board member Richard Micko added. "We'll try to do better."

• School Board President David Frazee said he is "very happy and relieved our strike is over" and also called on everyone to work together to retain the district's "excellent with distinction" status.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Strongsville