Friday, October 29, 1999
Superinterdent's critics heard at meeting
No board members attend Reading forum
BY CHRISTINE WOLFF
The Cincinnati Enquirer
READING — A forum Thursday to air complaints about the school board garnered some support for the board amid calls for the superintendent's resignation.
Residents scheduled the meeting after two weeks of controversy sparked by Superintendent John Varis' comments Oct. 15 about the mer its of arming teachers for students' protection. Many residents also were upset because the board canceled two meetings — Oct. 21 and Oct. 25 — saying the gun discussion would overtake the meetings' agendas.
The guns-in-school issuecaused so much concern, some residents said, because of a dislike for Dr. Varis, other unresolved problems with him and the board, and what many describe as Dr. Varis' domineering style of leadership.
Dr. Varis is in his 13th year as Reading's superintendent.
“Board members do not have a clue how serious we are. We ask for no less than Dr. Varis' resignation. We want our respect back, and to that end, we want Dr. Varis removed from power,” said Sharon Vitori, of Reading, to loud applause from the crowd of about 70 people.
The meeting allowed speakers three minutes; about a dozen people spoke. It was called in the hope it would have “a calming effect,” said Bonnie Rack, one of the organizers.
Board members were invited but none were present. Organizers said tapes of the forum and all written comments would be sent to the board.
“We want Dr. Varis to be more personable,” Ms. Rack said before the forum. “We want to be able to bring something up (to him) and not be hammered, at board meetings and in his office.”
Dr. Varis, reached at his home after the forum ended, said his contract runs until spring 2002.
“I serve at the pleasure of the board,” he said, “and the board is welcome, at any time, to discuss it.”
The gun discussion “festers because people have issues and their own political agenda with Dr. Varis,” said John Kappler, a Reading parent.
“While I have no love for Dr. Varis, his comments were taken out of context. I saw the tapes, and, at no time did he say he favored arming teachers,” Mr. Kappler said.
Martha Hart, a Reading parent, said after the meeting that she supports Dr. Varis.
“I'm not here to apologize for him. But I respect him. I'm never afraid to go talk to him,” she said.
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