Leadership is built on trust, respect, and the ability to listen-even to dissenting voices. But in recent weeks, concerns have grown among school staff and community members about the leadership style of Board President Donna Carey.
Whispers have turned into quiet conversations behind closed doors. And while many staff are reluctant to speak on the record, a consistent theme is emerging:
People are afraid to disagree with Donna Carey.
❗ The Rumors: Silencing Dissent
Multiple sources within the school community have reported instances where staff members felt pressured not to speak up or discouraged from offering their honest professional opinions, especially when those views diverged from Carey’s public narratives or political agenda.
There are even rumors that Carey has attempted to “shut down” staff members who expressed disagreement-either through formal complaints, requests for administrative intervention, or pressure behind the scenes.
If these reports are true, it suggests a dangerous shift from leadership to intimidation.
🧑🏫 Teachers Deserve Respect-Not Fear
Our educators are professionals. They’ve dedicated their lives to helping students grow, think critically, and succeed. When a school board president begins to treat staff as political opponents rather than partners, it erodes trust, morale, and ultimately-student outcomes.
When staff are afraid to speak freely, we don’t just lose voices-we lose insight, experience, and the very feedback that makes our schools better.
We’ve seen this pattern before: when leaders start surrounding themselves with “yes people” and silencing anyone who challenges them, the result is a toxic environment where real problems go unaddressed.
🧩 What Kind of Culture Is Being Created?
Ask yourself:
- Are staff members still confident that they can speak openly in meetings?
- Are concerns being listened to-or buried?
- Are decisions made collaboratively-or dictated from the top down?
True leaders create space for dialogue, not fear. They earn trust through transparency and humility-not control and retaliation.
📣 If You’re a Staff Member, Your Voice Still Matters
If you’ve felt silenced, know this: you are not alone. And your voice is essential.
The culture of our schools is shaped not by one person, but by the collective efforts of educators, staff, families, and yes-even the board. No one should feel intimidated into silence for having a different perspective.
🛑 It’s Time for Accountability
Leadership should never be about winning-it should be about serving. If the rumors about Carey’s conduct are even partially true, it’s time for the board and the community to ask serious questions:
- Has Donna Carey created an environment where disagreement is punished?
- Has the staff lost trust in her ability to lead with fairness and transparency?
- And most importantly-is this the leadership our schools deserve?
Hardyston can-and should-expect better.