Just a hint at how dysfunctional our local school board is:

Out of 3,845 respondents to the statement “It is important to me that semester 1 (Q1 and Q2) end before winter break,” only 6.58% disagreed.

More than 80% of respondents explicitly said that ending the first semester with exams BEFORE the winter break was best for students, staff, and schools.

80%.

So, how did our school vote? With the choice that got 6.58% support form those who responded.

You can view the recording of the public part of the 12/16/25 WSFCS school board meeting here: https://youtu.be/wZlfz9aNY1Q.

But the “fun” of this meeting really began almost once the video starts. At around the 3:50 mark, the new superintendent, Dr. Phipps, called a vote to elect the next school board chairperson. What ensued was a flurry of partisan and personal grievances that epitomizes the absolute dysfunction of this current school board.

For the next 6 minutes, what occurred was what has become emblematic of this school board: inaction, blame, and a innate ability to not have a spine.

Last night’s WSFCS school board meeting probably cost the school system more teachers and educators as did any of the RIF actions earlier this school year. The “intent window” for all employees opens up next month, possibly before the next school board meeting.

As people prepare to enter the winter break, no doubt many school system employees will be talking with families, friends, and amongst themselves about their own future in WSFCS.

Moments like last night’s calendar vote and the pettiness over who “leads” this board will no doubt weigh on many minds.