“Super” Gives No Permission to Concerned Parents.

Sandi Hoover, Superintendent of Garden Spot (otherwise known as Elanco) hasn't learned much in the way of Public Relations in the last month. The school district has had many missteps handling a string of bomb threats and communication with the parents. This past week Hoover publicly did a “mea culpa” regarding the public relations nightmare that occurred when police were called out to squelch near-rioting-parents! While that might have satisfied some, a recent email indicates that Hoover hasn't learned much about PR! Just what did Hoover do?

The “official” school policy is that ANY absence due to a safety concern of a child or parent will be considered “unexcused”! Hoover was contacted by email this morning and asked, “I see that there is another bomb threat for Tuesday.  What is the school's policy regarding children staying home from school during these threats?”

Would the Superintendent give parent's the ultimate decision regarding their children's safety? You won't believe Hoover's response!

After assuring the writer that the threat is all a hoax, Hoover informs the letter writer that there will be extra police protection! (no explanation as to why the school would need this extra protection if it was a hoax) Then to really make the parents feel better, Hoover says that there is another threat!

Click here to read School District's response to the THREATS!

Saundra Hoover  Feb 26, 2007 6:30 AM  subject RE: school closing The "threat" has been determined by the school and police investigation to be a hoax.  There will be extra police protection and heightened security on that date.  We would not have school if we felt that there was a security risk to students.  Therefore, if students do not have a legitimate excuse, illness, medical appts., etc., it will be an "unexcused" absence.  In the time you have written this and I have responded, we have had yet another written "threat" which I will be dealing with this morning.  You will be informed about that as well.  I understand your and other parents' concerns.

What liability is the school taking on by threatening concerned parents? Parents are expected to attend tonight's meeting and express their concern to the board who has apparently backed Hoover's position.

UPDATED - Video from the meeting!

	Listen as Sandi Hoover "parents" the parents and talks out of both sides of her mouth!
	Listen as Chairmen of the board Loren Martin rudely cuts off a reasonable request and then rationalizes his behavior!