Email war of words unfolds

By KEITH COUSINS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — In the midst of contract negotiations, the president of the teachers union did not mince words in an email last week critiquing the performance of the Coeur d’Alene School District Board of Trustees.

The impact those remarks could have on negotiations, if any, remains to be seen.

In a May 17 email to the five-member board, Coeur d’Alene Education Association President Derek Kohles wrote the teachers’ union sometimes represents the conscience of district staff, and he would attempt to do just that in his written remarks. Kohles went on to detail several examples — including the district’s homework policy, hiring practices, and seat belts on buses — where he thinks the actions of the board “appear disruptive and counterproductive to the efficient management and function of the district.”

“As a group, the board’s behavior has been destructive to the leadership capacity of the district’s top-level administrative team,” Kohles wrote in the conclusion of the email. “If it is not illegal, immoral, or bad for kids, please let professionals do their jobs.”

Although responses from board members ranged in length, the tone of each was similar. The emails were all acquired through a public records request by The Press.

Some examples:

“While I’m not surprised that you have chosen to use your normal condescending approach to prove you’re the smartest guy in the room, I am disappointed,” responded Board Chair Casey Morrisroe. “The one thing I can agree with you on is it is important we know our roles and it’s clear to me that you don’t.”

“In my view, it’s a disservice to those professional educators who’ve thanked board members over the years for questions asked and decisions made,” wrote Trustee Christa Hazel. “There are decisions made by this board that I’m proud of.”

“When you send emails like this most recent one and strut around the podium at public meetings like some barnyard cock insulting us, you insult not only the district but the entire community,” Trustee Dave Eubanks wrote in response. Eubanks was a longtime teacher in the district.

“It is one thing to disagree with an action the board may take on a particular issue,” wrote Trustee Tom Hearn. “It is much different to lecture us on what you believe is appropriate behavior and roles for the board and how you think we have somehow failed. We know our jobs and do them well. You asked us to ‘please let professionals do their jobs’ which I think we do, and you should extend to us the same courtesy Mr. Kohles.”

Trustee Tambra Pickford did not reply to Kohles’ email.

Bruce Twitchell, the vice president of the CEA who will take over as president once negotiations are over, told The Press Monday that Kohles’ comments are based on his personal experience attending board meetings.

“Volunteer trustees perform an important oversight function for our public school system,” Twitchell added. “They have a great degree of responsibility and the challenge of understanding the perspectives of diverse groups and attempting to balance the interests of those groups. CEA leadership, members, and other school district staff appreciate the service and commitment of the 271 Board of Trustees.”

In a phone call from The Press Monday, Hazel said the exchange between Kohles and board members was “abnormal,” even during contract negotiation season. However, Hazel added she did not take Kohles’ statement as being representative of a larger group.

“It’s my understanding that this is one teacher’s opinion, which was probably born out of a lot of frustration,” Hazel said. “But we can separate the opinion of one teacher from that of the entire CEA. Passion from both sides can certainly come out during negotiations, but I don’t see this email impacting things.”

Morrisroe, the board chair, made his feelings clear Monday.

“From my viewpoint, the opinions of Derek will have no impact on negotiations,” he said.

The union negotiating team will meet with district officials this afternoon to continue contract negotiations. This will be the fifth such meeting this year.