Contributors: Rachel Jamison and Aaron Yeager.
Let’s talk about the decision regarding Stow-Munroe Falls’ new superintendent, and why we stand behind the decision to select Dr. Felisha Gould.
After holding a public community forum for staff, faculty, community members, and parents, the Board of Education has selected Dr. Felisha Gould for Superintendent of the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.
We encourage everyone to attend the Special Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education Meeting tomorrow, May 6, at 6 p.m., at Lakeview Intermediate School, to show your support for Dr. Gould!
Since the decision became public, we’ve seen a lot of misinformation, negativity, and outright racism floating around. We at SC4C wholeheartedly support the decision to select Dr. Gould, and we’re excited for the much-needed change she will bring to the district.
Table of Contents
1. Why Do We Support Dr. Gould for Superintendent?
2. Why Do We Support Dr. Felisha Gould Over Kristie Prough?
3. Let’s Address Some of the Misinformation Out There
4. Show Your Support for Dr. Gould
5. More Information on the Upcoming Board of Education Meeting
6. Dr. Gould’s Resume
Why Do We Support Dr. Gould for Superintendent?
Extensive Educational Leadership Experience
Dr. Gould brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and administration — she’s held positions as an assistant superintendent, college professor, principal, and teacher, and her background demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of educational management, and a proven ability to improve student outcomes through innovative strategies.
Commitment to Strong Communication
Dr. Gould is committed to maintaining open lines of communication with staff, parents, and students. Effective communication is essential for building trust, and achieving common goals.
Inclusive Collaborator
Dr. Gould emphasizes the power of collaboration, and has experience working with diverse stakeholders. Her leadership style promotes transparency in decision-making processes, and fosters an egalitarian environment; this inclusive approach is crucial for building strong relationships within the school community, and ensuring that all voices are heard.
Commitment to Core Beliefs
Dr. Gould’s core beliefs, including prioritizing children, promoting equity, and recognizing the importance of leadership and accountability, align closely with the values of the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. Her dedication to these principles demonstrate that she would be a passionate advocate for students, families, and educators.
Proven Track Record of Success
Throughout her career, Dr. Gould has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, and a track record of success, in improving educational outcomes. Her accomplishments, such as implementing comprehensive strategic plans, and improving teaching practices, highlight her ability to drive positive change, and achieve tangible results.
We think she’s got what it takes to address the district’s issues, including its controversial levy and facilities plan, as well its precarious relationship with the community at large. Her experience and focus line up with the strategic plan, and her track record of success in leadership, curriculum development, and student achievement, speak volumes.
Dr. Gould also brings diversity to the district, and shows a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments, and ensuring success for all students. Dr. Gould will be the first Black woman to serve as superintendent, which is monumental for the district. We hope this will open doors in terms of diversity in hiring, and other positive outcomes.
Why Do We Support Dr. Felisha Gould Over Kristie Prough?
For years, we’ve heard calls to the administration to address facilities, budget, learning outcomes, and more. Prough has been in the district for almost eight years, and has worked as Assistant Superintendent/Director of Special Services since 2020.
In her role, Prough has had the opportunity to directly impact areas like curriculum, learning outcomes, IEPs, discipline and bullying, and parent concerns. However, over the past four years, we have seen a decline in learning outcomes, and have continuously heard concerns about how these areas are addressed within the district.
Prough is an improvement from what we had when Tom Bratten was superintendent, and has started up the long road of improving communication and rebuilding trust, but this is only one aspect of the role of superintendent.
Dr. Gould’s broader expertise in educational leadership, strategic planning, equity initiatives, and collaboration, offer a more comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of students and educators within the district. Her experience, skills, and commitment to excellence make her a strong candidate for superintendent, and a compelling choice over Kristie Prough.
Let’s Address Some of the Misinformation Out There
Claim: The selection process was secretive, and didn’t allow for input from faculty, staff, parents, and community members.
The Board of Education held a public community forum on April 22nd, where faculty, staff, parents, and community members could meet both candidates, ask questions, and provide written feedback. The BoE also encouraged people to provide feedback via email, and allowed ample time for feedback to be provided.
Claim: Dr. Gould doesn’t have the experience needed.
Dr. Gould has worked as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, adjunct professor, principal, and teacher, and holds a Doctor of Philosophy and three Masters degrees. She also has experience leading a district spanning two different cities.
Claim: The district where Dr. Gould works has a 1.5★ rating.
You can find the actual report card here: https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/district/overview/043794
Claim: The meeting on Monday doesn’t allow for public comments.
It actually does — there is a public comment section on the agenda.
Show Your Support for Dr. Gould
We strongly encourage attending the meeting tomorrow to show your support for Dr. Felisha Gould, for the new Superintendent of the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.
Consider wearing gold to show your support for Dr. Gould, and giving a statement of support during the public comments section of the meeting.
You can also use the graphic below for your profile picture on social media, to spread awareness.
More Information on the Upcoming Board of Education Meeting
The Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools Board of Education will hold a Special Board Meeting, on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 6 p.m., at the Stow-Munroe Falls Lakeview Intermediate School (1819 Graham Road, Stow, OH, 44224).
On the agenda:
- Top priorities for the year
- Discussing the role of Student Achievement Liaison
- Committee updates
- Legislative updates
- Fieldhouse updates
- 180-day presentation, given by Dr. Felisha Gould
- Accepting the resignation of Board Member Jon Leissler
- Math and science curriculum, first reading
- Employment contract for Dr. Felisha Gould
You can find an outline of the meeting agenda below:
Dr. Gould’s Resume
You can find the resume provided by Dr. Gould at the community forum below.
Please note: Kristie Prough did not provide a resume for the public.
