YOUR AD HERE »

Vail Valley Voices: Principal gets second chance

Aldo RadamusVail, CO, Colorado

On Wednesday night, the Eagle County Board of Education reached an emotional decision to renew the contract of the principal of Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy for another year.Over the previous 10 days, Dr. Smyser was particularly generous, along with board President McQueeny, in communicating the process and encouraging public input. The professionalism with which this process unfolded is a credit to their leadership.The outpouring of sentiments about the positive qualities of Mr. Grimmer as an educator and community builder from parents, students and other community members was echoed by many members of the Board of Education during the hearing and resulted in a split decision.At the same time, the appeal hearing revealed that there were legitimate and serious concerns, and not personal issues, that led to the original decision of non-renewal. These concerns were raised by each member of the board during the ensuing discussion. Clearly, the difficult decision reached Wednesday night does not remedy this situation, but only provides an additional opportunity for the reasonable expectations of the superintendent and Board of Education to be met.It is the innovative and visionary leadership of Superintendent Smyser and the Board of Education that has nurtured the Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy to become a school like no other. In executing that vision, Principal Grimmer has earned the gratitude and support of the parents and students.Aldo Radamus is the executive director of Ski & Snowboard Club Vail.


Support Local Journalism