The Quakertown Community School Board meeting became intense as departing president Kaylyn Mitchell delivered a sharp message to Superintendent Bill Harner last Thursday evening.

            Mitchell's scathing attack centered on the way the administration conducts school business, specifically citing "perpetual disappointment", "outright disrespect" and "manipulation" from Harner and Assistant Superintendent Nancianne Edwards. 

            Mitchell contended that positions with high salaries are not doing their jobs and select information so as to spread fear among staff and students.

            Mitchell began her report by praising and thanking the board for their dedicated work over the years, especially as they navigated uncharted waters associated with the pandemic. "I am proud of the legacy of the board, despite the difference of opinion," she said.

            Mitchell explained that she felt compelled to address the issues publicly because she attempted to address issues privately to no avail.

            As she directed her report to Dr. Harner, Mitchell asked if it was appropriate for him or his staff to not speak to or respond to emails for over a month.

            Harner responded, "No comment."

            Among other grievances, she asked Harner to recall a conversation about modified quarantine, stating that there was confusion regarding seven versus 10 days. This oversight was never corrected and led to "mass confusion" the next day. She then continued asking Dr. Harner if he recruited new board members. He declined to comment.

            "Is it appropriate to recruit your boss?" Mitchell asked, adding, "It's pretty smart."

            Over the last two years, as the board worked to keep schools open, Harner and Edwards "fought to do the opposite", to keep students home in virtual learning, "spreading fear" among educators and selecting information to share with the board.

            Mitchell stated that the new school board has a lot to learn. "They will choose to find their way," she said.

            She asked that the new board look through "a lens of fairness, truth and justice." 

            Mitchell, along with incumbent board members Jennifer Gross and Keith Miccuci, lost their seats in the November 2 election. Board members Steaven Klein and David Ochmanowicz did not run again. New board members will be sworn in on December 2, and board leadership will be selected.

            In other news, the board approved a $413,000 recruitment and retention plan to support employees represented by the Quakertown Education Support Professionals Association.

            The plan was developed between the school administration and association, which represents secretaries, custodians, food service workers, maintenance staff and aids. The plan includes increased pay in affected categories, changes to longevity pay, recruitment bonuses and restructuring the number of hours for certain positions.