1. Gary, please tell us what is happening.

 

I was informed by Interim Head of School Carolyn Anderson on January 9, 2024, that the mayor had directed her to advertise for Director of Athletics. She also said she was not going to do that to people. I asked Mrs. Anderson if he said why, and she did not know. Later in the conversation, she said that the Mayor had mentioned my friendship with Kim Greaves.

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2. Did you reach out to the mayor to ask why?

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On January 10, 2024, I sent an email requesting to meet with Mayor Kilbride. He did not respond.

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On January 15, 2024, I sent a follow-up email to Mayor Kilbride and copied it to the council members, expressing my disappointment that he had not responded. He finally responded, telling me to direct my questions to Carolyn Anderson and that I could apply.

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And for a little more background, on November 7, 2023, the mayor showed up during football practice and called me on my cell phone during practice. However, I did not have my phone on my person, so I did not know this until later. When practice was concluded, as I was leaving the field (5:00-5:30 pm), the Mayor was still present and requested that I meet him at Town Hall the next morning at 9:00 am. There was no indication what the meeting was about.

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On November 8, 2023, I was at Town Hall at 9:00 am for the meeting. The mayor was a no-show, no call. At 9:50 am, I called the mayor. He said he got the days confused.

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3. What is the Foundation of your Grievance?

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Retaliation—I was abruptly and unexplainedly terminated from the position of Director of Athletics. This retaliatory action was a direct result of my previous disagreements with Mayor Sean Kilbride and my positive working relationship with Councilman Kim Greaves.

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Bullying—Prior to the selection process, Mayor Sean Kilbride publicly gloated to my co-workers about getting a new Director of Athletics.

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Abuse of Power—This is the primary ground for my grievance. Mayor Sean Kilbride ordered the Interim Head of School to advertise for the position of Director of Athletics, tampered with the interview process while it was underway, and then went directly against the committee's selection to deny me the opportunity to regain and continue in the position.

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4. What resolution do you seek? 

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• I request that the process for filling this position be put on hold and that a full investigation be conducted into the mayor's misconduct.

• I request to be reinstated as Director of Athletics

• I request my salary be increased to the range that was advertised for this position and set appropriately to match my total years of service and education.

• I request that the Town leadership structure for governing Westlake Academy be clearly identified, including duties, particularly in the areas of Superintendent, Board President, and CEO.

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CLICK THE ICON BELOW TO READ THE FORMAL GRIEVANCE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL

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