Letter: Reader finds county school teacher turnover rate disturbing

To the editor,

After reading the Nelson County Gazette story, “Board chairman: District losing good teachers over special education issues” (July 11, 2014, 5 p.m.), I was very disturbed to read that our Nelson County school system is losing quality teachers to other districts due to discipline problems and new Special Education regulations.

According to the article, Superintendent Anthony Orr claims that he can show teachers, etc., how the new regulations are effective and can work in the classroom. He states “I would be happy to take you in the classroom and show you how it’s done.”

Since Mr. Orr is pursuing a Ph.D at the expense of the Nelson County taxpayers and is technically employed by the taxpayers to oversee the school district, wouldn’t it be an excellent example for Mr. Orr to show “how it’s done” with the new Special Education directives. Perhaps he could clear his calendar for several weeks after the students have settled in for the academic year and take the helm of classrooms having discipline difficulties and show the staff and concerned parents “How it’s done” effectively.

Mr. Orr’s “hands-on” instruction would be a positive morale-building example of everyone working together for the student’s benefit.

On another note, I have qualms with Mr. Orr’s demeanor and comments at this school board meeting.

I found it totally unprofessional at this working session to cut-off board member Diane Berry, since her concerns pertained to the discussion at hand. Mr. Orr’s quote concerning teachers leaving the district — “if these folks leave then I’m glad to see them go” — is not conducive to building teacher morale. Mr. Orr needs to remember he is entrusted to oversee the Nelson County school district and answer to the Nelson County taxpayers and elected school board.

Hopefully one of Mr. Orr’s Ph.D classes will refresh this superintendent’s much-needed diplomatic skills

Judy Frazier
Bardstown