La Harpe CSD #347

La Harpe Staff Defend Superintendent Amid Rumors

The La Harpe Community School District #347 held a special meeting of its Board of Education on January 13. The meeting, presided over by Board President Dustin Detherage, convened at 6:00 p.m.

All seven board members were present: Dana Blythe, Joni Dowell, Chad Burt, Detherage, Leandra Deitrich, Josh Gebhardt, and Josh Walker. Others in attendance including Laura Jones, Jadrien VanFleet, Julie Garrison, Susan Bray, and Ashley Cox.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, the meeting opened with an extended public comment period. Staff members voiced strong support for Superintendent Dr. Janet Gladu and expressed concerns over recent tensions within the district.

Laura Jones raised potential financial risks if rumors of efforts to remove the superintendent proved true. She highlighted ongoing district projects and estimated that hiring an interim superintendent could cost $1,200 to $1,500 per day, potentially straining resources. Jones noted that school morale had previously been strong and urged caution.

Jadrien VanFleet echoed concerns about the school’s culture, describing Dr. Gladu as “the glue that holds us together” and someone staff could rely on. She expressed disappointment at the prospect of the superintendent departing.

Julie Garrison reported a declining climate and culture in the school. She identified a perceived conflict of interest involving a student teacher (Kayla) whose husband serves on the school board, claiming the union viewed it as problematic. Garrison alleged that the situation created unease, with the name of the board member being invoked inappropriately. She defended Dr. Gladu, stating the superintendent was bearing the brunt of criticism for supporting related decisions and praising her for securing grants to cover school supplies and other achievements.

Susan Bray described the current controversy as “totally blown out of proportion.” She credited Dr. Gladu with major positives, including certifying teachers and attracting homeschooled students back to the district due to improvements. Bray suggested the board consider a policy prohibiting spouses of board members from working in the district.

Ashley Cox, a 14-year veteran teacher at La Harpe, shared that she had recently been accused of retaliating against Kayla related to an issue from the previous year. Cox explained her decision not to accept a student teacher, holding herself to high professional standards comparable to respected colleagues. She expressed sadness over the tension but affirmed her trust in Dr. Gladu and Principal Ryan Hopper, noting they consistently supported her.

The board then moved to business items. A motion by Gebhardt, seconded by Walker, to approve the agenda passed unanimously (7-0) on roll call.

Shortly after, a motion by Blythe, seconded by Dowell, to enter closed session passed 7-0. The closed session, citing 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, and review of closed session minutes, began at 6:17 p.m.Closed session lasted approximately one hour and 44 minutes. A motion by Dowell, seconded by Blythe, to adjourn closed session carried unanimously at 8:01 p.m.

The open meeting adjourned immediately afterward via voice vote at 8:01 p.m., with no further actions reported in open session.

The special meeting highlights ongoing support for Superintendent Gladu amid unspecified internal issues and rumors. 

No personnel decisions were announced publicly, and the board took no visible action on the matters raised during public comment.