Editor’s Note: This letter was originally published to The Sapulpa Daily Herald’s weekend edition. It has been republished here with permission from it’s author.
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I was upset to read of the loss of one of our most respected leaders, Mr. Bobby Alfred, Principal of Holmes Park Elementary. For more than 42 years, Mr. Alfred dedicated his life to serving our students.
Moreover, the fact that Mr. Alfred and other employees have reported being racially abused is appalling! There is no place in this world for RACISM. And, for the Superintendent of schools Mr. Kevin Burr to be responsible for this to one of our own is unacceptable! Per Dr. King’s famous quote “we were all created equal.”
Since Mr. Kevin Burr’s arrival four years ago, our school system has lost many first class educators as well as administrators like Mr. Alfred. I can certainly understand why if this is the way our valuable educators are treated?
My question: Why would our board of education vote to extend the contract of a superintendent whose record includes high employee turnover, low academic achievement in comparison to peers, and financial irresponsibility? On top of that, Mr. Burr is responsible for embroiling our district in a lawsuit for personally hiring a coach who committed suicide after being accused of raping a student and the district is currently involved in a major lawsuit that potentially could cost the school system millions of dollars! Why did the board not wait until the lawsuit was settled? Mr Burr’s decision to hire the coach will impact the students life forever! Please help the community understand the logic?
In Mr Alfred’s letter it pinpointed that we have equipment that cost our taxpaying citizens thousands of dollars that are not being utilized. It is disturbing to hear that information from Mr. Alfred knowing he has questioned the impact this has on future bond elections.
In conclusion, we have a problem in our leadership that was recently uncovered thanks to Mr. Alfred’s letter to the Sapulpa Daily Herald. What are we going to do about it? Mr. Alfred I applaud you for your dedication and many years of employment to Sapulpa Public Schools.More importantly, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences to our community! I have known you for all of your 42 years- I as well as anybody that knows you realizes you spoke only the truth. You are admired and respected and will be missed! Thanks again!
In conclusion, You cannot be a leader if nobody is following you!
Sincerely,
Randy Peterson
