Public Notice from the Board of Education:
PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:
To the Talawanda community:
We are saddened to report that board member David Bothast has tendered his resignation from his position as a board member, effective September 9, 2024. Mr. Bothast has been a staunch advocate for our students, our staff, our schools, and our community, and has brought professionalism, insight, and a highly valued perspective to his work as a board member.
As a board, we will be moving forward in the coming days with a plan to secure a replacement to complete the 15 remaining months of his term. This process will be shared with the public.
Resignation Letter:
Dear Dr. Howard et. al.,
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I tender my immediate resignation (September 9, 2024) as an elected member of the Talawanda School District Board of Education. This incredibly difficult decision has become unavoidable due to the relentless, uncivilized, and personal attacks against my family and me, fueled by and directly intertwined with attempts to unseat the current superintendent. I refuse to stand by and watch what I feel is the hard work of the board and many community members to restore Talawanda's reputation, integrity, financial stability, and safety undermined by a personal vendetta based in hate and discrimination that also appears to be working to dismantle the district from within.
The costs of this assumed vendetta are immense. Since January 2024, the district has incurred tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, FOIA requests, and investigations - a significant drain on resources that could have been better utilized to support our students and educators. I cannot be complicit in such wasteful spending, nor the emotional toll it has taken on my family or the entire community. It wasn’t long ago that we said good-bye to highly qualified and beloved teachers in our community due to potential financial cuts. This wound is, and will always be, fresh to me. Depleting funds that could have saved these positions because of personal prejudice is not right. With someone so blinded by hate having access to sensitive student information and apparently willing to leverage said information for personal gain, every Talawanda family (and any teacher who crosses her/them) should feel at risk.
I campaigned for this position with the sincere hope of serving as a voice for our community and throughout my tenure, I strived to uphold my commitment. During times of financial emergency, I tirelessly met with teachers, residents, and parents. Even when the levy failed, I continued to advocate for the community's voice through surveys, etc. I lost countless precious Talawanda moments with my own children, approached by frustrated constituents at various events. It became so overwhelming that I began to isolate myself, suffering anxiety and panic attacks when attending school functions. It caused a rift between me, my community, my husband, and even my children.
The mental duress on my family, particularly my young son, has also become unbearable. The vile and bigoted attacks, based on lies and unsubstantiated claims, and fueled by a small but vocal group, have consumed an inordinate amount of my family's time, money, and emotional energy. While our emotional health has suffered, the district's finances and morale are also victims.
To the teachers I tried to support, I apologize for not being able to continue the fight. I leave this position with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. I lived up to the tenets of my campaign. Sadly, there are those who feel called to action by sharing falsehoods, unsubstantiated claims, and simply slandering me and my family to attack anyone who challenges their position (or even appears to do so without real evidence). One aggressor even suggested I commit suicide. Suicide. Over a school board role. I became a teacher to support and protect children. Now I must protect my own.
I wish the Talawanda School District the best and hope that one day, civility and reason will prevail.
Sincerely,
David Bothast, MS
