Hercules MH School Parents Must Investigate Allegations

Recently, a Hanna Ranch Elementary school teacher shared here on the Patch, allegations of bullying of a Hercules High School teacher, Ms. Janet Headington, being perpetrated by the current Hercules Middle High School principal, Ms. Jen Bender.  Included with these allegations was the fact that teachers are now taking a vote to attempt to oust the principal, although it appears the vote is not part of any formal process, that it is mostly symbolic.  Parents have not been surveyed or asked to vote. 

Hercules parents and education stakeholders need to review the handling of this matter today, as from what this teacher has provided, it appears actions are now being taken before giving all formal avenues a chance for resolution.  For example, the allegations include acts of retaliation as a result of reporting safety hazards to OSHA, yet the whistle blower retaliation complaint process has not been followed.  Some of the allegations have not even been fully investigated as evidenced by the teacher's own admission, including that of alleged unfair treatment by use of a surprise fire inspection.  

In addition, the teacher raising the allegations states that they are representing the bullied teacher, yet the teacher is not the designated Hercules High School union site steward, so standard protocol appears to have been circumvented.   There is also the question as to whether or not Ms. Headington was treated fairly by district officials in the handling of her situation, which includes medical issues and a transfer to another school site.    As she is a Hercules teacher, and as there is no current evidence that WCCUSD trustee Madeline Kronenberg (Hercules schools liaison) is reviewing this matter, parents and Hercules education stakeholders should do their part to ensure she has been treated fairly by her employer.  

In 2012, Hercules teachers (and some parents) played a role in ousting the Lupine Hills Elementary School principal.  The impact included the loss of the Ohlone Elementary School principal, who was transferred to Lupine to address whatever issues they were facing.  At the same time, the Hercules High School principal left for a position at the district office.  The Ohlone replacement lasted one year, before suddenly resigning just weeks before the current school year.  The current HMHS principal (Ms. Bender) is in her second year as principal, with no prior experience as principal. Her first stint includes overseeing two schools, including the middle school.    

A Hercules parent should take the lead today to establish a committee that will review how this matter is being handled, ensuring all proper avenues are being followed.  This committee will not seek access to confidential information, but will simply review the procedures followed.  This committee should then provide their findings, conclusions and suggestions to the Superintendent and WCCUSD trustees.  Everyone involved deserves to be part of an impartial process.  Currently, it isn't clear if such is happening.