Parents seeking a change at Montessori

Feb. 27—Some Pullman Community Montessori parents are concerned with how the school is run and think different leadership could do better.

A group of around 30 families are calling for a change in administration and the Montessori approach to certain issues, along with better communication and transparency.

The public charter school has had an eventful beginning to 2024. John Cassleman, former founding chairperson of the Montessori's Board of Trustees, said things began to gain momentum when the administration in January terminated an older elementary teacher, or as the school calls them, guides.

He said a group of families met after the guide's removal to voice their problems with the school. There had also been private emails exchanged in the community about the situation, he added.

The board held a town hall meeting in late January to hear parents' concerns and tried to resolve issues raised.

Since then, Cassleman said the parents and administration have been working with each other to find solutions and "save the school."

He said the parent group created a petition that has 30 signatures to remove the head of the school and change the Montessori's model. He added the way the school is being managed is not working, and if the school is going to survive, there needs to be big changes.

"We want the Montessori to operate in a way that's sustainable," Cassleman said. "We want staff members to be supported, happy and empowered. We want the promise of community to be fulfilled. And we want students to get the education they deserve."

Current board chairperson Beverley Wolff said the Montessori was first certified in 2020 and opened at The Gladish Community and Cultural Center in 2021.

Wolff said she started with around 70 students, which has grown to about 100, offering kindergarten through seventh grade after starting out with kindergarten through fifth grade.

She added the school plans on expanding to ninth grade next year.

The Montessori provides free public education based on hands-on learning, collaboration and leadership development. The charter school is an independently operated public school that receives federal and state funding, Wolff said.

One of the largest issues is the Montesssori's work environment, Cassleman said. He added the school has high turnover and faculty's concerns aren't being authentically considered.

Cassleman said only two original staff members have remained since the school first opened almost three years ago. He said many faculty have expressed feeling micromanaged, not being supported in their growth as educators and in an environment that feels tense and unstable.

When staff voiced their issues with administration, their concerns often weren't addressed in a timely manner and dismissed, he added.

Wolff said she can't speak to employees' performance, but acknowledged the school has had staff turnover. She said the Montessori model offers something different to the community, and the system can be rewarding but also challenging. She added being an educator following the COVID-19 pandemic has also challenged educational systems nationally.

She said when a complaint is made, the Montessori has strict protocols to follow. She said the school is committed to a positive and productive working environment, free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Another concern parents have is the school's finances. Cassleman said many worry the Montessori isn't in a good spot and it isn't projecting to meet cash covenants, or financial agreements.

Head of School Laylah Bewick said at the Town Hall meeting that starting a Montessori is no small feat. She added most aren't financially solid on their own for almost five years of operation, and the Pullman school expects to be financially stable by then.

Wolff said in an interview charter schools receive state and federal funding, but in the early years of growth, the charter school relies on philanthropic and grant funding to meet financial needs.

She added financial reports are reviewed by the Montessori's financial committee, and those reports are always included in board packages available to the public. Finances are also reviewed at every board meeting.

Bewick said the administration is confident the school will continue operation.

Cassleman said parents are worried about students' physical and psychological safety at school. They felt situations like bullying were still continuing and interventions weren't working, he added.

Wolff said the Montessori has a school counselor who provides anti-bullying education for students. She added all reports are investigated because providing a safe and welcoming school is a high priority.

During the Town Hall meeting, parents brought up issues with exposed pipes in classrooms and bathroom availability. They were concerned about students touching the hot pipes and using public restrooms in a public building.

Bewick said all classrooms but the older elementary are equipped with restrooms. A bathroom was supposed to be installed in the older elementary classroom over winter break, but the project wasn't completed on time.

She said students are instructed to use the public bathrooms on the first floor, which they're on, while staff monitor the bathrooms to ensure they're suitable.

She added students go in doubles and sign out on the bathroom sheet before leaving class. Also, there are cameras in the hallways.

Before class resumed after winter break, Bewick said a building inspector and fire marshall inspected the older elementary classroom. The room wasn't flagged and the class used the room.

Wolff said there had been an exposed pipe that was hot to the touch. A child touched the pipe and "needed TLC," but didn't need any medical treatment.

Bewick said after the issue was presented to administration, building management was notified and the pipe was wrapped. She added students were told not to touch them, signs were put up and furniture was rearranged to make it less accessible to the class.

Cassleman said the group wants more transparency from the school. He added the way things are communicated lacks frequency and transparency.

Wolff said the Montessori wants to be responsive to the community because it's a community school, fulfilling its vision and mission.

Some progress has been made at the Montessori. Wolff said the school restarted its Support and Coordination Council that's made up of parents and staff. She added there's "clearly a need for communication" and she hopes the restart of the council will provide an outlet for putting together ideas to build community, support teachers and elevate voices.

She said the school is looking forward to working with the council to get more input on how the community would like to move forward.

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com