An open letter to the Newberg School District Board of Directors and Superintendent Phillips,
I’m writing this open letter since public comment isn’t allowed this evening. I write as a parent of three graduates of Newberg High School and as a former employee.
I’m writing because you have often stated that you want the best for the students of our schools, and I share that goal. I truly want that to occur, and have concerns with the results I am seeing from your actions.
Your actions make it clear that you joined the school board believing our schools were filled with what you labeled as “politics” and “indoctrination.” When dozens of students and staff and community members told you in Board meetings it wasn’t about politics but about people, you didn’t believe us. You assumed you could change things, using any means you wished.
Your actions pushed over 100 employees out the door. You assumed we left because of politics—refusing to see that we left because of issues of integrity and competence. You weren’t concerned about the turnover of employees and the staggering loss of institutional memory because you wanted change. You assumed there were hundreds of other employees out there you could hire who fit your political perspective.
What you are discovering is that your assumption was wrong. You can’t hire anywhere near enough people in your special education department. You can’t hire enough educational assistants. You’re hiring first year teachers on emergency credentials. Now you’re finding all the school psychologists and almost the entire tech department are leaving because they are unwilling to work in this environment you’ve created. You’re losing the ability to function as a district.
I now work in another school district, and truthfully political “fit” was not part of my criteria. I am able to work there because they are honest, competent, ethical—and they follow the law as they serve students.
Students and staff in Newberg need Board leadership that demonstrates competence, honesty, and ethical behavior.
This Board’s consistent use of the word “indoctrination” shows that you do not believe it is possible for students to express anti-racist views, or support for LGBTQ students and issues, without being “indoctrinated” by adults. But our students think for themselves far more than you seem to realize.
I want to tell you about one of the best experiences I had during an incredibly difficult 2021-22 school year. Last December I was delivering gift cards from George Fox University to the room at the high school where we were assembling holiday baskets for students in need. I happened to arrive during lunch as a GSA meeting took place in that room. I listened to LGBTQ student leaders thoughtfully outline the plan for a student-led protest on behalf of students of color. I heard them instruct each other to focus on their positive message of support, and to show respect to other students who did not agree. It was moving and powerful to see the wisdom of our students; to see their leadership, their care, their competence.
Saying everything is “indoctrination” disrespects the strength of our students.
Superintendent Phillips, when you interviewed for your position, you said your educational philosophy was to put kids first. Supporters of this Board picked up on that in letter after letter, saying how much they valued that “kids first” philosophy. But staff members know “kids first” doesn’t give any clarity about educational philosophy. Everyone in education says “kids first.” The question is, how will you put kids first? What strategies will you use to put kids first?
My hope is that you will flesh out a true educational philosophy and create the structures and the environment for staff to implement it. Unfortunately, my experience with you is that you made it clear when I was employed here that my first priority was to make things right with the Board, that (in your words) “repairing that trust” with the Board was essential. And then you removed all of my previous duties even as you said it was not due to my job performance.
“Board first” is not “kids first.”
My genuine hope is that our students will have the honest, ethical, evidence-based, best-practices leadership they deserve. They deserve the best.
Thank you,
Gregg Koskela
Thank you for putting into words what many have felt.
Wonderfully stated! Now let’s see if Kids First will happen.
We ran to another district too. It’s so functional and the focus on kids gives us so much satisfaction. No regrets, even though the move of a high school student from the district he’d known since kindergarten caused me sleepless nights we have nothing but joy and happiness from the other side. This district’s dumpster fire burns brighter daily. Sad for those who remain.
Brilliant, Gregg. I am so grateful for your wisdom, grace, and courage. Your voice in Newberg is prophetic.
I agree with you whole heartedly, I have 2 grandchildren entering this district with a aunt that’s gay and a trans grandma. It hurts my heart to watch this. Bought a house here to watch the grands, can’t stay here because of this baloney. Once they enter school we will be fighting for human rights!!!
Thank you for still trying to do right by NSD. You and ALL the valued, competent, caring employees that did sadly resign are sorely missed. Unfortunately, until the misfits on this school board and the “yes man” they hired are gone Newberg schools will continue to suffer, the kids will continue to suffer and the community will continue to suffer. Promoting ignorance isn’t teaching, it’s a insult to our students. We owe them a complete, comprehensive education and all that entails. The shame is on you board members!
This is so well written and, unfortunately I believe, fitting for so many school districts and state governments in this country. The fear-mongering in an effort to attain and maintain power is devastating to watch.
This letter put into words what so many of us parents are feeling, and seeing, and hoping for. Thank you for taking the time.
Thank you, Gregg, for your honest first-hand appraisal and your conviction to be honest and honorable in words and actions.
I’m sorry for what your county has been through. Your frank thoughts and attention to detail are helpful for those of us in different states who are under similar threats. Thank you Gregg for working hard to communicate what we need to know.
This is the board that was elected by your neighbors. The attempted recall of board members was defeated, by your neighbors. Your neighbors have decided this is what they want. To change things, start talking to your neighbors.
I absolutely am talking with my neighbors. And honestly, that’s the purpose of an open letter-to communicate with the public more than the Board, who I know won’t change.
Only four members of this board were elected; three were appointed by the Board.
Of the four that were elected, three won with razor thin margins with vote participation of less than 30%. One won her seat only because she faced two candidates, one of which pulled out of the race after the ballots were printed. Almost 1000 more people voted for someone OTHER than her.
As for the recall: outside money from across the country flooded the election with misleading information. Two major mailings from Right to Life insinuated this recall was about abortion! For a school board!
I want more of the community to know that this board does not do what they say.
I believe the majority of the community wants schools that function. They want leaders who follow the law. This Board is decimating our public schools and does not have any regard for laws or ethics.
I absolutely will be talking with our community about this, and sincerely hope we vote them out to help our schools function again.
Thank you, Greg Koskela. For speaking out. I know you and your wife have been an invaluable influence in our schools. And you even raised your children in them! We need everyone to speak out about what has happened in Newberg.