OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (WDAF) – A veteran kindergarten teacher with over 25 years of service was dismissed by the Blue Valley School Board in Overland Park, Kansas, during a vote on Monday night.
“Mrs. Hart is our safeguard. Every parent should want someone like her as their child’s teacher,” parent Leah Karchin said of the teacher, Barb Hart.
The district terminated Hart for breaching an Emergency Safety Intervention policy. At the board meeting, concerned parents argued that the policy itself was at fault rather than the experienced teacher, whom they believe was trying to support a student.
The district has not detailed how Hart infringed upon the policy. However, supporters, including parents and friends of past students, contend that Hart always acted in students’ best interests. They showcased their backing by wearing shirts emblazoned with “BH” inside a heart, standing with the Sunset Ridge Elementary educator.
“She dedicates her personal time and money to ensuring her students have enriching experiences, even going as far as to fund art projects herself. Her commitment is what any district would desire in an employee,” said Karchin.
Parents recount how Hart was summoned by a colleague two weeks prior to assist a special education student in the hallway. The student was experiencing difficulties and was unresponsive to directions, despite educators’ attempts, according to those familiar with the incident.
“Blue Valley’s policy is to refrain from physically interacting with the child and to let them manage on their own. However, Hart chose to respect the student’s dignity by moving them to a private area, away from public view,” explained parent Tiffany McCalla.
The addendum to Monday’s agenda said Hart would be fired for violating policy 3522. This policy says district personnel may use seclusion and/or physical restraint only when less restrictive alternatives are determined by a school employee to be inappropriate or ineffective, and when a student’s behavior presents an immediate danger to self or others.
“The child is scared, they are looking for a trusted adult to guide them and to sometimes make decisions that ensure their well-being. If compassionate responses to these mental needs are punishable under Policy 3522, then the system is failing both our teachers and our students,” said Jenny Stilley, a parent of a child with special needs.
“Please trust our teachers, equip them with the necessary training and support, trust their hearts are in the right place and show our children that compassion for others is the lesson that truly matters,” parent Kari Fernando said.
“I agree with nearly everything that was being said regarding that policy,” Board Vice President Clay Norkey said during Monday’s meeting.
But Norkey said the policy is based on state laws and guidelines. The Board approved Hart’s termination by a 6-1 vote, with only Jim McMullen voting against it. The district sent Nexstar’s WDAF the following statement after the meeting”
Blue Valley Schools understands that this personnel matter feels close for many in the school community. Personnel decisions are carefully reviewed to ensure alignment with board policy, applicable law and the rights of all individuals involved. Out of respect for all involved and in accordance with the law, we are not able to share additional details. Our focus remains on supporting our students, staff and school communities while maintaining the confidentiality and dignity that situations like this require, while upholding the community’s high expectations of our schools.
“To see her life turned upside down and to see everything she ever worked for taken away overnight is unimaginable, especially because she’s being targeted for being kind,” Karchin said.
