Meissner, unions views differ on work conflict

First a retreat, then some tentative steps forward.

That’s the path upon which La Conner Schools Superintendent Dr. Whitney Meissner and leaders of two staff union groups that have rebuked her management skills now find themselves.

All parties vow to move in the same direction, serving the best interests of students, but whether they can do so side-by-side remains unclear.

The unions have issued votes of no-confidence in Meissner and called for her ouster, alleging she has created a negative work environment, concerns that arose last spring and coincided with the departures of La Conner Elementary Principal Bev Bowen and Food Services Director Georgia Johnson.

The result has been a summer of strife, with emotions sometimes spilling over into public La Conner School Board meetings and the media.

Meissner last week apologized to those negatively affected by conflict that has arisen at La Conner Schools, stressing her commitment to improved inter-personal communications. She posted her missive on the district website. It appears on page two in the Weekly News as a guest column.

She penned the letter after attending the annual La Conner School Board retreat and meeting with union reps.

“At the retreat on July 30,” Meissner told the Weekly News on Monday, “the Board gave me the go-ahead to write and publish a statement of response. Up until that point, the unions’ communications were directly to the Board. I work for the Board, so I was waiting for direction from them before making any response which is why I didn’t respond sooner.

“I am also someone who likes to speak with people before I send anything in writing,” she added. “I had the opportunity to meet with union leaders for over two hours on Aug. 5. After that conversation, which felt hopeful, I issued my statement as a mea culpa. It is my hope it will open the communications even further and move us forward in the best interest of the district, our community, and our students.”

The School Board renewed and extended Dr. Meissner’s contract this year after voter approval of a district levy proposal and negotiations that led to new labor agreements with the unions. She has also received high marks for effectively promoting La Conner Schools at numerous public speaking engagements, addressing a wide range of audiences.

Still, complaints remain about Meissner’s approach as an administrator. La Conner Education Association (LEA) and Public School Employees (PSE) union leadership spelled out those concerns in a written response to Meissner’s website post.

Union leaders said they “are glad that Superintendent Meissner wants to do better now that she knows better, but the relationship is beyond repair for the vast majority of our members. Our students can’t wait while adults spend time, energy, and resources attempting to heal the deep wounds to our colleagues and community caused by Dr. Meissner.”

The union leadership said it is “pleased to hear that Dr. Meissner has finally acknowledged that her lack of positive leadership, negative interpersonal skills, and divisive management practices have brought substantial pain, frustration, and setbacks to our school, students, and community.”

But they view the situation as one of being too little, too late.

“The La Conner School District staff has lost trust in Dr. Meissner,” they said, “and an expression of contrition does not change the toxic climate she has created.”

Despite union pleas for her removal, Meissner is focused on the upcoming school year. She is awaiting approval of a draft set of goals she submitted to the Board and said Monday plans are afoot to recognize the centennial anniversary of the relationship between La Conner Schools and Swinomish Tribal Community.

The School Board of Directors held a special meeting Monday to continue its work from their July 30 retreat. No public comments were taken nor any action taken.

Director Brad Smith missed the meeting; he is in Europe. Attending were Janie Beasley, chair, Lynette Cram, Susan Deyo and Kate Szurek.

, August 12, 2019, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office, 305 N 6th Street, La Conner, WA 98257.

The purpose of the special meeting is to continue the work from the July 30th retreat. Per RCW 42.30.080, we will not have public comment, nor will action be taken.

The board may meet in executive session.