Several North Platte Public Schools staff members and administrators voiced concerns Monday night about the direction and culture of the district during public comments at the Board of Education meeting.
North Platte High School Principal Cory Spotanski told board members he believes recent board discussions have shifted away from student-focused issues and toward topics that have created division within the district.
He says he has attended nearly every board meeting over the last four years.
“Over the last couple of years, it seems that clarity has faded,” Spotanski said.
Spotanski said earlier board conversations centered on student learning, student experiences and supporting teachers and administrators. He said more recent discussions have focused on issues that “do not directly support student learning.”
He also referenced conversations surrounding Google Vault and said recent discussions have created distrust among staff.
“The conversations do not focus on improving the day-to-day work in our schools,” he said.
Spotanski said the district has adopted a strategic plan focused on being a “destination school district,” but warned that inconsistent actions and messaging could impact the district’s ability to retain employees and attract future leaders.
“As a result, we’re losing outstanding people,” he said.
He urged the board to reflect on its purpose and focus on collaboration moving forward.
“If there’s not a shift in the board’s approach, there’s most certainly going to be repercussions,” Spotanski said.
North Platte High School counselor Amie Albrecht also addressed the board, saying she was frustrated and concerned about the district’s direction.
Albrecht said multiple respected administrators have left the district and called the situation “not normal.”
“People don’t leave environments where they feel supported, valued, and able to do their jobs well,” she said.
Albrecht told the board that educators and staff are the people doing the day-to-day work to support students.
“That work is happening in our buildings by the educators and staff who show up every day,” she said. “It does not happen at this board table.”
She also said instability within district leadership impacts staff and students.
“This board does get to set the tone of that climate,” Albrecht said.
Both speakers urged the board to focus on supporting district leadership and improving stability moving forward.
No board members responded directly to the comments during the meeting.