| (1/11/04)
Welcome to the official WEBSITE keeping you informed
with events surrounding Dr. Dale Jenkins sudden and
unexpected departure from St. John's School.
This site was made to keep those of you who care,
informed with the unfortunate and intolerable treatment
of one of Guam's finest educators.
Some in the St. John's Board of Trustees (referred
to as SJSBOT from here on out), has greatly underestimated
the reach and influence that Dale Jenkins has within
the SJS community.
This site will act as the vigilant 'watch dog' for
one of the most important issues facing SJS in recent
years.
After 26 years of loyal and committed service to the
school as a teacher, coach, business manager, administrator
and principal, Dr. Jenkins was required to retire
for offenses unbeknown to him.
By keeping quiet on the matter and hiding behind the
curtains of a 'Non-Disclosure-Clause' (NDC) agreement,
the SJS BOT and its Headmaster are creating a veil
of secrecy and gossip that not only damages the reputation
of the school, but also that of Dr. Jenkins.
If the SJS BOT has substantial justifications as to
why it would require Dr. Jenkins to 'retire', then
let the record be shown. If they are afraid of legal
retribution, Dr. Jenkins himself may agree to release
the SJS BOT of any legal actions, so long as the accusations
are accurate and can be proven.
The
SJS BOT and its HEADMASTER Jorge Nelson was kind enough
to inform Dr. Jenkins of his need to 'retire' on such
a random date as new year's eve. What kind
of person or persons does it take to inform someone
of such life altering news on the eve of a new year?
Since Dr. Jenkins is bound by the NDC agreement, he
cannot explain to others what transpired to his abrupt
dismissal. The mechanics involved with this legal
treatment of Dr. Jenkins only helps to spur rumors
and innuendos of improper behavior on the part of
Dr. Jenkins. Certainly, since Dr. Jenkins cannot defend
himself without breaking his NDC, the reality of getting
a new job of the same caliber becomes difficult for
him.
The treatment of this man can be interpreted as cruel
and unusual by some. Cruel in the very nature of how
it was done. Unusual in the fact that after 26 unblemished
and successful years — the man is suddenly a
problem?
The facts surrounding this case are still being collected.
It is the hope of the SJS BOT and its HEADMASTER that
all will go away when the storms of emotions subside.
Pundits are already being asked to 'relax' and keep
quiet. The HEADMASTER has gone as far as to instruct
Dr.Tom Shieh not to contact the teachers directly
on issues related to Dr. Jenkins.
Let us not be fooled. Let us not be so short with
our memories of Kedel and Dr. Jenkins. We must continue
to find out the nature of these actions taken by the
SJS BOT so that they cannot act in a vacuum in the
future — treating individuals such as Dr. Jenkins
and Kedel and many other fine teachers at SJS like
disposable diapers will not be tolerated! |
