I've waited to see the result of the PTA meeting to send this as I was hoping it could have all been resolved, but it doesn't seem as though it has.

I, like many others, attended St. John's School for my entire pre-collegiate education.  I, like many others, wore many hats as a student, an athlete, a troublemaker, and a leader.  All of which spawned my growth into what I am today.  My four sisters also shared the benefits of a true St. John's School education which gave all of us the independence and the intellect to make our own decisions.  My mother was also a former member of the Board of Trustees.
The news behind the departure of Dale and Kedel has come as a disturbing surprise to us just as it seems it has to the rest of the community.  As a Senior Professional in Human Resources I am the first to stand behind the decision of an individual's forced dismissal or retirement. However the justification behind these decisions needs to be beneficial to the strategy and the mission of the organization or in this case, our community.  In making decisions that can be this difficult, it is usually a long process that requires the objectivity to see the big picture.  That picture is a little fuzzy right now.

St. John's School's Mission statement is, "St. John's will respect each student as an individual and will endeavor to promote: Christian values...Social Responsibility...Self-Awareness...Quality Educational Programs."  But what I find more amusing in this situation is the Philosophy which is published on the school’s website: 

-Underlying the entire program at St. John's is the belief that the personal relationship between teacher and pupil must be fostered as the key to learning;

-St. John's believes that the development of character is of paramount importance…

-Class sizes in the Lower School are maintained at appropriate levels to assure optimal contact between teacher and pupil and among peers…

-The educational process at St. John's School is organized with a view of developing full and proper self-expression, guided by trained and empathetic instructors, and tempered by the discipline that comes from proper intellectual application.

The million-dollar question recently is how an event like this can be beneficial to the community, in-line with the school’s mission, and an embodiment of the school’s philosophy.

It is no question that St. John's School has a responsibility to its students, but also to those who give to the community to keep it in existence.  In this case, it’s the parents, the teachers, the students, and the alumni.  We wouldn’t have lasted 40 years without the gifts, donations, knowledge exchange, or the energy behind a body of people like ours.

Dr. Nelson has a responsibility to keep this community together.  To not only strive to make it succeed, but also to make it thrive and exceed.  That is what each and every one of his predecessors has been responsible for and successful due to the leadership of those who care to foster the personal relationship between teacher and pupil. He has apparently decided to relieve this leadership and must now focus on the repercussions of his decision.  A tough battle indeed for someone brand new to a community.  Dr. Nelson, you got yourself into it, now get yourself out of it so we can move on.

If I can address a few words to Dr. Nelson: I’d like to give you a little background on the Guamanian community that you’ve been welcomed into.  Our heritage and background will do just that; we will welcome anyone into our family.  Welcome you to better our environment, develop our children, and eat at our table.  We will be there to hold your hand when you need it. We will be there to forgive you if you make a mistake.  But trust this.  We don’t forget.  There is no community in the world that is like the community that welcomed you a few months ago. 
Like Gary Hull stated, there are going to be “dark days” ahead until you release this Nondisclosure Clause.  It is as just as easily released by both signed parties as it was put into effect.  Phil Flores is right.  “Admit you made a mistake…We all make mistakes.”  Set an example for the students you are trying to lead. You said it yourself, “Let us remember our mission and continue our efforts to provide the best for our children.” Our mission is stated above if you would like to read it again.

If you notice, that mission states Christian Values, Social Responsibility, Self-Awareness, and Quality Educational Programs.  No one is questioning our Christian Values, but we just lost two great leaders of our Quality Educational Programs.  Your community is just doing what the school set out to do, build their Self Awareness as they practice their Social Responsibility.  We can move on.  We can grow from this.  But you need to bring the community back together, and strong holding your “power” is not going to do that.

Kaz - I give the St. John’s community my support.  Because I know they will do what is right for the school and make their own decisions as to what really is beneficial to our community.  And I believe you will be objective and mature about these decisions.  Keep it up, and keep me informed.  Remember Margaret Meade’s words, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” 

Good Luck.
Jay Rojas