Laurel: To open discussion. It isn’t easy to talk about topics that point to problems. People can get defensive or frustrated. That doesn’t mean it’s better to just pretend the problems don’t exist.
On Monday, Highlands School Board had that tough conversation. More than 100 teachers from the Highlands Educational Association showed up to discuss bullying and violent behavior, as well as issues of staff morale.
HEA President Rachel Crowell spoke of increased violence and inconsistent student discipline surrounding bullying. That allows students to think the behavior is acceptable, she said.
The exchange was not always perfect. Board member Laura Butler questioned why the issues weren’t brought up earlier, with Crowell blaming chain-of-command issues. Finger-pointing rarely achieves resolution.
But school board President Bobbie Neese handled the discussion well.
“We recognize that this is a legitimate concern,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for positive steps forward.”
It is — as long as the problems are taken seriously and the concern is married to thoughtful response and appropriate action.
Lance: To more police problems. The number of law enforcement officers facing their own criminal court issues is not only troubling but also downright embarrassing.
On Monday, Kenneth J. Burke, 36, of Greensburg officially ended his tenure with the city police department, where he had worked since 2017. A police dog handler, he came to Greensburg after time as a sergeant in Ligonier. He also was a member of the Westmoreland County SWAT Team.
Council accepted Burke’s resignation. He had been on unpaid leave for almost a year after simple assault and harassment charges were filed in July 2022 regarding a domestic violence report at his home. The case is pending a trial scheduled for Aug. 7. Burke is free on $10,000 unsecured bail.
A new officer will likely be hired next month, according to Greensburg Solicitor Zachary Kansler.
Let’s hope the vetting process is zealous. Remember, Greensburg’s then-Chief Shawn Denning resigned in January when he was arrested by federal authorities on charges including theft, conspiracy and tampering with evidence.
It isn’t a problem exclusive to Greensburg. Look at Ligonier Valley. The police commission fired Chief John Berger after state police and Homeland Security raided the police station and seized Berger’s phone and police vehicle.
It is, however, a shame to see this become so commonplace.
