Hayden High School graduates toss their caps into the wind at the end of the schools first ever outdoor graduation ceremony. (Photo by Dylan Anderson)
The road in front of the new Hayden Valley School is called Breeze Basin Boulevard, and it lived up to its name Sunday afternoon when the school graduated its first senior class in its first outdoor graduation ceremony.
“Its called Breeze Basin for a reason, so hold on to your hats,” said District Superintendent Christy Sinner in opening remarks.
The 24 students in the Hayden High School Class of 2021 graduated in a sunny but rather blustery ceremony on the school’s new football field. It marked the end of a four-year path capped off by a move to a new school during a global pandemic.
The Hayden Board of Education on Monday responded to criticism from parents in the district who said they are worried the culture at the school has contributed to the school’s turnover rate among teachers.
On April 12, several parents addressed the board in public comment, concerned by the number of resignations among staff in the district and the lack of attention to the issue by the board.
“We have our own challenges that we have in general, and then we have exacerbated challenges which are the reality of the COVID situation,” Board President Brian Hoza said in regard to retaining staff. “This is on the mind of every board in the country.”
Hayden parents speak out about growing number of teacher resignations
Parents of students in the Hayden School District aired concerns about the number of teacher resignations in recent months.
Credit: Dylan Anderson (Steamboat Pilot & Today)
The new 139,000 square foot school in Hayden brings all grade levels under one roof, creating a community atmosphere and increasing the educational opportunities for students. (Photo by Dylan Anderson) Author: Dylan Anderson (Steamboat Pilot & Today) Published: 5:23 AM MDT April 15, 2021 Updated: 5:23 AM MDT April 15, 2021
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. Parents of students in the Hayden School District aired concerns at Monday night’s school board meeting, claiming the number of teacher resignations in recent months is being fueled by a work environment where teachers are afraid to speak out about issues to district leadership.
Parents of students in the Hayden School District aired concerns at Monday night’s school board meeting, claiming that the number of teacher resignations in recent months is being fueled by a work environment where teachers are afraid to speak out about issues to district leadership.
During the virtual meeting, five parents, each part of a parent group called the Parent-School Initiative, criticized the board for what they say is an abnormally high turnover rate among teachers and the board’s lack of oversight on the issue.
“With the alarmingly high rate of district employee turnover, I demand the board look at where it is failing our students and the community,” said parent Ashley Sweetser.