Staff Report
Vicky Dudek, the newly hired superintendent-principal of Los Olivos Elementary School, resigned effective Jan. 31, according to a message sent by the school board to parents and staff.
Dudek had been placed on paid administrative leave Nov. 12 while the district’s school board investigated complaints it had received from the school’s entire staff at a heated board meeting.
During the public portion of a closed session in November for Dudek’s performance evaluation, teachers, staff and parents spoke to the board, alleging Dudek has shown unprofessional and erratic behavior and lack of leadership.
Several teachers referred to a staff meeting on Halloween where Dudek allegedly berated teachers in front of their colleagues and scolded them with a list of offenses.
“There is no repairing this relationship, which presents glaring concerns for safety if she will not communicate,” teacher Amy Willis told the board.
Staff member Cathy Garley said at that meeting staff members didn’t need to be torn down to be built up; they needed to be respected, and an administrator needs to be respectful at all times. Garley said she also saw Dudek vaping in her office even though no one is allowed to vape on school grounds. The chief administrator should be a role model for the kids, she said.
“She is not delivering on promises, and I have already heard that longstanding teachers tell me they will leave if she stays,” Garley added.
According to the board announcement, Dr. Pamela Able will continue as interim superintendent and Willis will continue to be teacher in charge while the board finds a permanent superintendent-principal.
“The board appreciates the tremendous efforts of the teachers and staff to keep Los Olivos running smoothly during this time of transition,” wrote Ness Hamaoui, a school board member.
