Again School Committee Did you Know?

Why is it none of this information was released when she was being interviewed? Why did she hide her past employments ? Could the answers be below? Ruth Leveille alias Ruth Miller . Funny how not only did Templeton state these problems, but we are also seeing it with us now .

The reasons given have been the principal's alleged inability to get along with other administrators - a statement Leveille said came from the superintendent - and concerns about Leveille's lack of leadership, according to Gaylord.( sound familiar PVRS?) 

To SC: For the love of God , I do not get ( nor do others ) why you would allow PVRS to lose our Principals and others and not  do anything to support them who have been loyal and honest with you?  You need to listen to our teachers and support them, and Mike Duprey needs to stay. PERIOD. Enough  of this nonsense and abuse . 

• Posted Jun. 7, 2005 at 2:00 AM
  Updated Dec 19, 2010 at 2:16 AM
  
  
  

  The following is the text of WHS Principal Ruth Leveille's statement read by her on Thursday evening:

  Dear Winnacunnet Community:

  I want to take this opportunity to thank you so much for the ability to speak with you tonight. I also want to say how appreciative I am too for the honor to have served you and our students. It gives me a great deal of pride and pleasure to be able to have a thoughtful conversation with you, thus enlightening you on where I am today and my hopes and dreams for the future of Winnacunnet High School.

  Despite the obvious angst, struggle and the awkwardness of this public situation I want to tell you how pleased I am to have served you. Winnacunnet High School is an excellent high school with limitless potential. I am so proud to be part of a school that has accomplished much. Let me give you some examples:

  Over the past three years: Community created mission and graduation expectations.

  Successful New England Schools and Colleges site visit; with numerous accolades given to the staff for their best practices and student centered instruction.

  Successful Special Education On-site visit. Teachers worked collaboratively to develop case studies which were analyzed and evaluated.

  Community support 76 percent for a building addition and renovation project.

  Creation of an Adult Diploma Program where over 30 individuals earn their high school diploma in the evening.

  The establishment of the newly formed Winnacunnet Endowment fund.

  The creation of the Seacoast Community Safety Net — an organization focused on education, treatment and prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

  The organization and facilitation of the Winnacunnet Faculty Council — a voice for teachers in all aspects of school operations.

  The establishment of an administrative team that works collaboratively to lead the operations of the school.

  The implementation of the trimester schedule created by empowering the staff and engaging the community. The result was a schedule that is academically more beneficial to students, meets the state standards for required time and allows for students and staff to have an acceptable amount of time for lunch.

  Teachers have worked tirelessly to rewrite all curriculums to align them with graduation expectations and standards.

  Establishment of an effective eighth-grade transition program where we meet the needs of children from all communities.

  Restructuring of student government to include more students based on an application process and interviews.

  Created a student recognition program to acknowledge all students? successes, athletics, student government, academic awards, academic teams, performing, and visual arts on a trimester basis.

  Created a climate of mutual respect which raised the expectation of student behavior and allowed us to have dynamic assemblies which showcase student behavior and achievement.

  Respond to student issues such as the Iraq war, instead of a walk out we had a thought provoking assembly.

  Cathy Silva being named Marine Biology Teacher of the Year.

  Stu Cameron being named a finalist for Teacher of the Year.

  Kathy Lombardi being nominated for School Nurse of the Year.

  Under the direction of our technology director our computer system is now networked with security and appropriate filters.

  Under the direction of our media specialist the library is now a place where students go to access information from a variety of innovative media sources which in turn supports the teachers with their curricula.

  This list could go on and on.

  I am concerned however that the events of the past year may have clouded perspective and compromised the opportunity for future growth and prosperity. In doing so it is my obligation as principal to share my perceptions so that thoughtful reflection can occur which may lead to further growth of Winnacunnet High School.

  Being principal of a public high school is a daunting and challenging task. This challenge has been further exacerbated by my inability to communicate how I am feeling and what I need while also getting the necessary feedback and input in order to reflect to do my job to the best of my ability.

  Again, thank you for letting me share the facts as I see it so that the community will have a complete picture and broader perspective.

  The School Board and superintendent held clandestine non-public meetings with my staff and never communicated any information to me. The staff was sworn to silence and the minutes of the meeting did not accurately reflect the conversation. Not only was my ability to lead compromised because subordinates were encouraged to talk about me. Without the benefits of knowing what the issues were, I could not address concerns or learn and grow. Also without proper due process, the leadership only heard one side of the story, so in essence I was accused, tried and sentenced without process. This way of doing business is morally and ethically wrong and unprofessional. From that moment on I was not able to successfully lead.

  Staff that had been non-renewed were given the gracious opportunity to resign. Without my input, staff were reappointed, thus totally compromising my leadership and ability to effectively supervise.

  Resulting from this my hands were tied and staff were empowered to be insubordinate with no recourse.

  A vice-principal was hired, given most of my authority and has regular communication with the superintendent and school board.

  The perception of the school community is that he was hired to replace me.

  My job description was changed without my knowledge or input.

  All communication with the superintendent has been initiated by me. The superintendent has spoken to me only three times since Dec. 17.

  The school board continues to spends hours in non-public session with little documentation of conversation, violating the public's right to know.

  Having said all that I stand before you tonight recognizing that I do not have a job, or the prospects of future employment. I am not bitter about this, however I have honestly recognized that this is a consequence of my present situation.

  I am not asking for my job back and I am not interested in debating who did what, where, when and why. I am only asking that I be treated fairly and part of that is being able to speak with you tonight for which I am grateful. I wish for the year's notice of non-renewal in my contract to be honored and that the community and board will at least meet me part way.

  Also, it is obvious to people throughout the area that this district is at an important crossroad. My desire is that the end result of my experience will help promote open and honest communication and dialogue throughout the district. I only want what is best for Winnacunnet High School and its future.

  As I began, I will leave with a quote from Margaret Mead.

  "Never doubt that a small group of caring dedicated people could change the world, indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ( well at least he gets that )

  
  

  • Why did principal back off?

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    By Susan Morse

    
    Posted Jun. 7, 2005 at 2:00 AM
    Updated Dec 19, 2010 at 2:16 AM
    
    
    

    HAMPTON — A 15-minute conversation on Thursday night between the attorney for the Winnacunnet School Board and the attorney for Principal Ruth Leveille is what caused Leveille to withdraw her request for a public hearing on the non-renewal of her contract.

    Andru Volinsky, who is representing Leveille, declined to comment, however, on what was said since School Board attorney Robert Casassa might have considered their conversation to be confidential.

    Casassa could not be reached on Monday.

    Calls to Leveille were not returned. It was unclear whether she was at the school.

    Volinsky confirmed on Monday what seemed evident at the Thursday night meeting at the high school: "It was based on the conversation with attorney Casassa. It was based on what happened before the hearing that caused us to make the decision we did."

    In waiving the public hearing Thursday, Volinsky said publicly only that he didn't believe Leveille would get a fair hearing.

    Leveille then asked if she could read a statement before the more than 40 people in attendance. The School Board refused her request and adjourned the meeting.

    Leveille read her four-page statement to an estimated dozen people who followed her into the hallway outside the library where the meeting was held.

    School Board Chairwoman Susan Kepner said following the short meeting that the board was ready to give Leveille a fair hearing. Kepner added that SAU 21 Superintendent James Gaylord had planned to call witnesses and present the reason why Leveille wasn't renominated.

    The reasons given have been the principal's alleged inability to get along with other administrators - a statement Leveille said came from the superintendent - and concerns about Leveille's lack of leadership, according to Gaylord.( sound familiar PVRS?)

    The five-member board has the authority to overturn Gaylord's decision not to renew Leveille's one-year contract. Leveille said Gaylord had informed her of that decision in December.

    Leveille has served as Winnacunnet High School principal for three years.

    In her statement, Leveille said, "I am not asking for my job back, and I am not interested in debating who did what, where, when and why. ... I wish for the year's notice of non-renewal of my contract to be honored and that the community and board will at least meet me partway."

    Asked the meaning of this statement on Monday, Volinsky said, "There is a provision in her contract, if (she does) not continue in her position, she gets 12 months."

    The language in the contract states that any notice given is to be based on her anniversary date. Accordingly, her year's notice would be dated June 30, lasting to June 30, 2006, said Volinsky.

    "It's clear she's not going to work another year," he added.

    Volinsky did not confirm that this implied a buyout of her contract, and he would not comment on whether Leveille will file a lawsuit against the school district.

    "I think there are a number of things under consideration," he said.

  
  

  • Appeal filed in Leveille case

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    By Patrick Cronin

    
    Posted Sep. 22, 2006 at 2:00 AM
    Updated Dec 20, 2010 at 1:18 AM
    
    
    

    HAMPTON -- The Winnacunnet Cooperative School Board doesn't plan on showing the high school's former principal Ruth Leveille the money any time soon.

    The board is appealing a 2005 state Department of Labor decision that forced the school district to pay her $4,300 in vacation wages she claims were owed to her.

    Superintendent James Gaylord and Winnacunnet School Board Chairman Chris Singleton refused to comment on the appeal that goes to trial at Rockingham County Superior Court on Oct. 11.

    Leveille, who was principal at the school for three years, filed a statutory wage claim with the state on June 23, 2005, claiming the district owed her a year's salary after it decided not to renew her contract.

    Leveille argued she deserved $110,009.98 in lost wages and benefits because she wasn't given sufficient notice that she wasn't going to be rehired. Language in her contract states any notice given be based on her June 30 anniversary date. School officials told her her contract was not going to be renewed in March.

    At the time, Gaylord said the board did not renew Leveille's contract because she did not cooperate with other administrators and lacked leadership skills.( Bingo)

    The Department of Labor denied Leveille's claim she was entitled to a year's salary, but agreed she was owed vacation time.

    According to court documents, Winnacunnet filed the appeal because school officials claim Leveille doesn't deserve any vacation days. Officials claim Leveille used those days when she requested to take off June 3-24. Leveille opted to take the time off in the aftermath of canceling a public hearing with the School Board to hear the reasons why she was being let go.

    The Department of Labor ruled she deserved the vacation days because Gaylord wrote her a letter on June 8 stating she was on suspension for the remainder of her contract and didn't want her to return. The labor board ruled once Gaylord suspended Leveille, it nullified the request for time off.

    A lawyer representing the School Board stated in court documents the fact Leveille was suspended after she requested the time off is irrelevant and she is not owed any compensation.