I am very surprised and sorry to read in the Herald that North Kitsap Schools Superintendent Patty Page believes “morale in the district is not as bad as the survey would indicate” (“Appointment of interim principal miffs teachers’ union,” page A1, May 6).

If 79 percent of the teachers feel that the superintendent is not up to the job, isn’t that an indication that morale is bad?

Politicians and CEOs have been toppled by much lower approval ratings, and students who fail 79 percent of their classes do not graduate. No matter how the school board wiggles and interprets and excuses this number, 79 percent is bad news.

In the 2013 climate study, Ms. Page averaged the same negative number as in the recent survey while the principals’ approval ratings hovered again between 80 and 85 percent. Shouldn’t the 2013 climate study have been a reason for some self reflection? Some learning? After all, none of us are too old or too high up to learn.

In her 2016 New Year’s resolution, Ms. Page wrote: “… I wish there was a way to contribute to help the world settle into a place of respect and dignity for all.” What a wonderful sentiment to help the world! There was hope that this new sentiment of dignity and respect and cooperation for all would include the staff of the NKSD. Well, it did not happen. She missed her last chance to convert from Saul to Paul.

Ms. Page was also quoted in the Herald saying that she believes in “top-down leadership.” “I am the superintendent,” she claims. A leader leads from the front, leads by example, inspires, and brings out the best in people (think Lincoln). However, a ruler rules from above, commands unilaterally and considers cooperation preposterous (think King Louis XIV).

In the past, the principal appointments have always been in cooperation with teachers and community members. After all, taxpayer-supported educational institutions have a special obligation to hire leaders of the highest standards. A Page protégée should not just automatically become a high school principal without a stakeholder vote.

James Behrend
Bainbridge Island