‘Community coalition’ demands transparency from Pueblo school district
Demands for answers into the resignation of D60’s former superintendent are only growing louder.
Dr. Constance Jones resigned suddenly last week and the district hasn’t said much about the issue, only that a search is ongoing for her replacement.
Tuesday morning, a group of community members formed outside of the administration in building in Pueblo, saying it’s not enough.
“When is the school board going to accept responsibility for it’s involvement in a flawed process?” asked Dennis Maes of Pueblo. “And we will not accept the traditional ‘it’s a personnel issue.’ The community has a right to know what is happening within its schools.”
No administrators or board members were present at this morning’s gathering which was announced Monday afternoon.
Charlotte Macaluso will serve as acting superintendent for up to a month until an interim is hired. She is the district’s executive director of improvement and innovation.
Last week, Walter Calinger was appointed as assistant superintendent. Kevin Smelker was also appointed as interim chief financial officer.
The Chieftain cited reports that Calinger had a controversial past, including a vote of no confidence when he was the head of an Ohio school district in 2005.
The Board of Education released a statement Tuesday night:
“The Pueblo City Schools Board of Education is fully committed to solving our persistent challenges for the best academic outcomes and success in putting students first. Recent events will not diminish our resolve to move forward in a positive direction in the best interests of all students. To that end, we have recently appointed an exceptionally qualified and trusted Acting Superintendent in Charlotte Macaluso. We have also already engaged the experienced services of the Colorado Association of School Boards to guide an open and deliberate search for an Interim Superintendent.
“As with all personnel matters, the Board is obligated to protect individual privacy rights that prohibit speaking further about Dr. Jones’ resignation or any other employee’s personal decisions. As we continue working on the transition to new leadership and a new school year, we invite to community to direct its efforts toward supporting all of our valued employees as we prepare for the opening of school.”
KRDO NewsChannel 13 has filed a Colorado Open Records Act request for records of communication regarding the matter. D60 is still working to retrieve the information.
