Rainier School District: Fire Michael Carter NOW!
I read an article on the Daily News website yesterday that I absolutely couldn’t believe. Having been a Rainier High School student from 1998-2002 and it being a relatively decent environment to attend school at (and I can only guess, to work at as well), it’s amazing to see how fast the morale there has deteriorated.
And it has all happened during the reign of the Rainier School District Superintendent, Michael Carter.
Let’s take a look at the past few months in the Rainier School District:
A few months ago, Rainier disciplined — and the county indicted — a former teacher’s aide for having sex with a young student.
Then shortly ago, Laurie Kash, who just happens to be Carter’s wife, was investigated by state police after students reported her kissing another student.
From the Daily News article about a heated recent school board meeting:
In recent months, drama teacher Laurie Kash — Carter’s wife — was investigated by the state police after students reported seeing her kissing a 17-year-old male student. Law enforcement declined to prosecute, but the district may forward the matter to the state Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
So as if teachers not being able to keep their hands to themselves isn’t enough, read the rest of the article:
Several people present said concerns have been building throughout the school year. The matter came to a head Wednesday, though, when Superintendent Michael Carter abruptly placed long-time teacher and counselor Jay Davies on administrative leave.
Davies said he spoke with Carter in person about a contentious situation, and Carter told him his proposed actions could be illegal and asked him to reconsider. Davies would not say what the disagreement was about. When Davies failed to change his stance Wednesday, he said Carter summoned him to the office and gave him a letter placing him on paid administrative leave for the rest of the year. Davies came out of retirement to mentor new counselors and said he now doesn’t expect he’ll be back next fall, though that had been discussed earlier in the year.
Mr. Davies was one of my favorite teachers and one of the most honorable men I knew at Rainier High School. Him being placed on administrative leave didn’t sound right to me.
I was, fortunately, tipped off as to why he was placed on leave, by a friend who showed me another Daily News article:
Rainier School District Superintendent Michael Carter put a counselor on paid administrative leave because he did not invite Carter and his wife to a party, the counselor said Monday.
Jay Davies, who was placed on leave Wednesday, said the disagreement between him and Carter had to do with a staff party to be held at Davies’ house this year. The party is an annual event and invitations were sent by a third party to all staff in grades 7-12 through the district e-mail. Carter’s wife, drama teacher Laurie Kash, received the e-mail.
But, Davies said the party was not district-sponsored or district-funded, with teachers bringing food potluck style.
As such, Davies said he felt it was his right to ask Carter and Kash not to attend. Davies said the staff tensions concerning Carter and the investigation into an allegation Kash kissed a student would have made the party uncomfortable for many employees.
The article goes on to say that Mr. Davies asked the school board to reinstate him and them give a public apology. The school board hasn’t replied yet, and from the looks of it Mr. Davies won’t be back next year.
Michael Carter’s never ending witch hunt against people who go against his personal agenda, whatever it is, has reached a boiling point and it’s frustrating the community, his peers, and those he works with. Even the RHS principal, Jeff Gilbert, said the “family-like atmosphere” among staff is being threatened by Carter himself.
Carter’s strong arm tactics have affected more than a few staff, including former band teacher Nathan Parker who left the district after a disagreement with Carter. Now it’s hitting really hard with his unfair suspension of one of the district’s most beloved and longest-tenured teachers.
Here’s my personal message to the Rainier School District, in the unlikely event anyone from there reads this:
You must fire Michael Carter now. Your schools are suffering, your community is suffering, and it’s bringing negative press to the city of Rainier. How much longer are you going to let it continue???
If I lived in Rainier still, I’d show up to the next school board meeting and initiate a no-confidence vote against Michael Carter.
Please, someone, save the Rainier School District. Fire Carter NOW.
30 Comments, Comment or Ping
B-Rye
This is truely unfortunate because I know almost everyobdy in these articles and theyre all good people (except Carter) being drug into a bad situation, all because they are standing up for whats right. Mr. Davies was always one of my favorite teachers too, the man has done more for Rainier students than Carter ever will, and to drag his name through the mud like this on the eve of his retirement is just bush league.
The real losers in all this are the students and teachers who just want to do their jobs without having to deal with all of this BS.
Jun 21st, 2007
granny in Rainier
Mr. Carter came to Rainier with a troubled past. Maybe you should share this with your high school alumni..or their parents. I am witholding our child from the school district next year, he starts Kindergarten, why would anyone want their child in the environment Carter is fostering? Our older daughter was a couple years ahead of you as a junir at Rainier High.
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Lindberg new Glencoe assistant Principal
6/28/01 The Hillsboro Argus (Oregon)
“Vicky Lindberg will become assistant principal of Glencoe High School this July.
She replaces former assistant principal Carol Loughner, who was named principal in May upon the departure of Michael Carter.
Lindberg’s experience includes counseling and Certificate of Advanced Mastery (CAM) development. She also has background in work experience and job training programs.
Lindberg currently is a coordinator in Hillsboro School District’s curriculum, instruction and assessment department.
Loughner became Glencoe’s interim principal in May after then-principal Carter was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into possible misconduct.”
Though the investigation revealed no criminal offenses, Carter resigned the position earlier this month, citing personal reasons.
He is working in the district’s Administration center until June 30 to fulfill his contract.
________________________________________________________________________
Froma n online resume:
Ms. Kelly Kaiser
Professional References
Clicking on each reference can access letters of recommendation.
Michael Carter (JPEG Version) - My former Principal at Glencoe, currently Superintendent for Rainier School District, (503-556-3777)
http://www.kellykaiser.com/pdfs/MichaelCarter.Recommendation.jpg
Note: R. Michael Carter’s recommendation for Ms. Kelly Kaiser is on Rainier School District letterhead !!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Neighborhood Link - Neighborhood Schools
High School Glencoe High School Principal: Michael Carter 503-640-8971 2700 NW Glencoe Road Hillsboro, OR 97124 Heart of Hillsboro Neighborhood Home Page …
http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/hboro/heart/schools.html
Jun 21st, 2007
Chris
Granny In Rainier–
Thanks for the info and links. If possible, could you help me spread the word that something has to be done to save the Rainier School District, remove Michael Carter, and restore the public’s confidence in the school officials.
Sounds like RSD had NO BUSINESS hiring Carter in the first place. Very scary that he came from Glencoe too — I could throw a rock from my apartment and hit the Glencoe baseball field.
Jun 21st, 2007
granny in Rainier
These are the dates of more info in the Hillsboro Argus archives:
The articles can be bought online.
Synopsis:
Oregonian (from Hillsbor Argus) archives: Hillsboro Argus is part of the Oregonian press network
Article 1 of 4
August 17, 2001
HILLSBORO DISTRICT SETS HIRING DETAILS Summary: The school board requests written procedures from the superintendent after seven principals left in the past year
For the first time, Hillsboro School District officials have compiled a written protocol that explains how the district hires school principals and other administrators.
In place for several years but never outlined until district officials presented it to the school board this week, Hillsboro’s 26-step hiring process includes a screening committee, a Full article: 1076 words
Article 3 of 4
June 4, 2001
GLENCOE HIGH PRINCIPAL RESIGNS Summary: Robert Michael Carter, who was being investigated for possible misconduct his first year on the job, quits for “personal reasons”
The Glencoe High School principal who was under investigation for possible misconduct has resigned, citing “personal reasons,” Hillsboro School District officials announced.
Robert Michael Carter, the first-year principal at 1,700-student Glencoe High School, resigned last week. He will complete his Full article: 632 words
Article 4 of 4
May 17, 2001
HILLSBORO GLENCOE’S PRINCIPAL ON LEAVE DURING DISTRICT INVESTIGATION (Library Note: This article also ran in the South Zoner, Southwest Zoner.)
HILLSBORO
Glencoe’s principal on leave during district investigation
The first-year principal at Glencoe High School has been placed on paid administrative leave by the Hillsboro School District pending an investigation into possible misconduct, district officials said.
Robert Michael Carter was placed on paid administrative leave Monday, district spokesman Steve Callaway said. He declined to Full article: 731 words
Jun 21st, 2007
granny in Rainier
Since you are in the area of Glencoe High School, maybe you could visit the Hillsboro Argus, or local Hillsboro library reference desk, and look up the actual articles and copy them. The dates of the critical three articles are May 17, August 17, and June 4, 2001, I’d love to bring those for show and tell to the next school board meeting.
I don’t have older kids at home anymore. You have a better chance of “spreading” the word on his questionable background with your peers, and their families here. I was never very involved with the school because I worked out of the area six days a week when our daughter attended Rainier HS. You have my email. Granny.
Jun 21st, 2007
Chris
Granny,
You have my word in that I will do what I can to get those articles to you in a timely fashion. I am on vacation next week but I’ll stop by the good old Argus and maybe even the Oregonian to do some digging and find the articles you reference.
Heck, next school board meeting I might even be there.
I also want to say that I don’t want to bring Carter down, but I want him to be held accountable for his actions. If it means he’s got to go, then so be it.
Jun 21st, 2007
Jill
I think Carter will tell you the “personal reason” why he left was that he and his new wife could be together in one district. And he will tell you that there was nothing criminal proved.
Please email me.
Jun 23rd, 2007
B-Rye
He was placed on administrative leave so he could be in one district with his wife, who didnt follow him to Rainier until a couple years later?? That makes no sense. Not only that, Hillsboro and Forest Grove are close enough that it wouldnt make that big of a difference.
Jun 23rd, 2007
Chris
It doesn’t make sense at all.
True, there was nothing criminal proved, but still even having been placed on admin leave at Glencoe should have been a major red flag for a potential employer (in this case, Rainier).
What it sounds like to me, is he fled the coop at Glencoe, became principal where he felt he could resurrect his teaching career, and Rainier has more than given him the power he craves…they made him their superintendent. How that happened I’m not exactly sure, but I’m going to find out.
Under his watch, the Rainier School District has employed and terminated a female pedophile, the man’s very own wife was under investigation for kissing a student, and he placed Mr. Davies on administrative leave after he wasn’t invited to a function that was not sponsored by the school district.
Strike one, strike two, and a major strike three if you ask me. It astounds me that the Rainier School Board has the wherewithal to keep this nut job around as the man in charge of their school system. Archibald, Harding and the administrators that support Carter need to answer some questions to a community that is very deserving of having questions answered and not toyed around with.
I’m not out to give Michael Carter a bad name — but when he pulled a childish stunt against a teacher and man I highly respect and admire, he crossed a line BIG TIME. Jay Davies commanded more respect and love from students present and past at RHS, than Michael Carter ever could.
Jun 23rd, 2007
Big Max
The big picture around Rainier is that Carter is a walking joke. His local nickname is “The Yachtmaster”.
He deflects all criticism, apparently intimidates teachers and students alike when there are ligitimate complaints regarding his and his spouse’s behavior. I do not have any kids that attend Rainier but talk to students all the time and these two (Carter and Cash) are a huge laughing distraction. Two students witnessed the kissing, a fine young man to attend LCC next year and a young girl. Both did the right thing and stood up to their testimony. The young man was reported to be threatened by a school board member that he could get sued for testimony. Do you think the young girl is going to ever step forward again after Ms. Kash got off with no punishment? Disgraceful…HOWEVER….I think the big picture here is a school board that defended Carter through this whole charade. That school board is disgaceful and needs to turn over.
Jun 25th, 2007
Rainier res, RHS grad
Wasn’t the young man who reported the incident also told that if he spoke out about it, he risked not graduating?
Jun 30th, 2007
Chris
Yes.
Jun 30th, 2007
Chris
Found on the TDN.com TownSquare forums:
RAINIER SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY
Adopted July 1 1989 CODE: KLD
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Whenever a complaint about personnel is made directly to the
Board as a whole *** or to a Board member as an individual, it will
be referred to the Superintendent for study and possible
solutions.
The individual employee involved will be advised of
the nature of the complaint and will be given every opportunity
for explanation, comment, and presentation of the facts as he/she
sees them.
The administration, the person who made the complaint, or the
employee involved may request a meeting with the Board for the
purposes of fuller study.’ If such a meeting is desired, the
Board will ask all parties involved to attend such a meeting for
the purposes of presenting additional facts, making further
explanations, and clarifying the issues.
Legal Reference
ORS 332.107
____________________________________________________________
RAINIER SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY
CODE: CBA
ADOPTED: July 1, 1989
REVISED: November 15, 2006
QUALIFICATONS AND DUTIES OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
POSITION: Superintendent of Schools
Performance Responsibilities
The Superintendent:
1. Serves as chief executive officer of the district except as otherwise
provided by law, makes rules not in conflict with law or with Board policies
and decides all matters of administrative and supervisory detail in
connection with the operation and maintenance of the schools;
6. Recommends the appointment, assignment, transfer, promotion,
demotion, renewal, non-renewal, extension, non-extension, discharge
and/or suspension of any employee of the district as provided by law and
Board policies, with such recommendations reported to the Board; .
14. Keeps the public informed about current educational practices,
educational trends and the practices and problems in the district.
The superintendent will not engage in, or have financial interest in, any activity
that raises a reasonable question of a conflict of interest.
The specific enumeration of the superintendent’s duties as detailed above will not
act to limit the broad authority and responsibility of the office.
___________________________________________________
RAINIER SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY
ADOPTED July 19 1989 CODE: GBM
SUPERVISION OF RELATIVES
District employees fall under the definition of public employees according to ORS 244.
No district employee shall supervise a family member within the third degree of cosanguinity to meet the requirements of ORS 244.040.
——–
What does this all mean given the situation in Rainier? Carter needs to be held accountable.
Jul 1st, 2007
187
To the first poster. Shut the **** up. nobody really gives a ****. you don’t have all the facts.
I also went to RHS from 1998 - 02
Carter was prob the best principle I have seen at the school. He also is one of the most level headed people I know.
Oh, you can suck a ****.
Mar 30th, 2008
Chris
@187–
I don’t normally edit comments but you have come onto my personal blog and used an insane amount of profanity. With your post, you have:
1. Displayed an attitude in which you believe everyone else’s viewpoint is inferior to yours, and were threatening in doing so.
2. Claimed to know things that we don’t. If you “have all the facts,” let us know who you are and state your points reasonably and peacefully.
3. Discredited your cause by coming off condescendingly and using mere conjecture rather than facts.
So if you wish to continue posting comments, please identify yourself and take it a little easier on us non-Carter supporters.
Mar 30th, 2008
187
kiss my ass
Mar 30th, 2008
Chris
No thanks bro. You’re a real smart one…I’m banning your IP and deleting any of your future comments. I asked you to identify yourself and take it easy, and you came across with another crass comment. You won’t be missed.
Mar 30th, 2008
gordo
Chris, feel free to continue this for as long as it takes to straighten this all out. My kids will not be attending rainier until the superintendent and school board start treating the kids and parents with respect and in a responsible manner. Not likely with the current regime.
Apr 1st, 2008
Mary Cwiklinski
Chris, you have no clue what is going on here. Carter is bringing great things to the district. Those who left are…those who left. If they had any leg to stand on, they would have. Get over it and move on.
Apr 27th, 2008
Chris
Sure, Carter is bringing great things to the district indeed. Can’t believe all the wonderful things that have happened to the Rainier School District over the last three years.
Jay Davies, Jeff Gilbert and a host of others left, man I am sure that was absolutely wonderful for our kids. Laurie Kash kissing a student? Aw shucks, it was cute. That one teacher who had sexual relations with the student at Neer City Cemetery? More of that needs to be going on, real life sex ed right there.
From the people I’ve talked to, morale among the constituents of the RSD is at a low point. You’ve got people in the community who don’t want to send their kids anywhere near Rainier schools. All because of one guy and two board members he has in his back pocket.
It’s all really sad and if one man wasn’t power hungry RSD would be an awesome place.
Apr 27th, 2008
Sunshine
I have gotten to know Mr. Carter over the last few years and I have three children at Rainier right now. I have never been mistreated by this man and his wife is a great and I mean Great teacher My children have blossomed under her teaching with SAT scores increasing by the 100’s no joke. And if you knew my daughter that is saying something. All I know now is that this petition and vote coming up has been surrounded by lies. I spoke with Russ Crawford and accuses these board members Most I know personally, of bribery, lies and not dong their job. I loved Jeff Gilbert but he left. Mr. Carter opened his file for all to see but when I asked Jeff what was up he Literally turned his back ( He was my friend) All I am saying is everything may not be what it seems. I have seen things from people who say Cater is horrible that sends shivers down my spine. My children are very happy in the school the ones that are not are the school boards kids, some have quit track and their grades are suffering and Crawfords kids because they are getting it at school. I know teachers there very well and most want Carter to stay and few want him to go , they may be lying but I feel if people just calm down and let things come out and stop worshipping gilbert ( a great Man) Because he is gone and there are many other fine people still here.
Apr 30th, 2008
Teeh
This entire situation is totally insane. I am the parent of two Rainier JR/HS kids. I have not met Carter directly but have witnessed his cocky pompass “I am KING” attitude.
I have seen and heard things this year that makes me want to sell out and move….FAST!
Even my kids are getting discouraged with the school. The teachers cuss at the kids and I mean using the F word and they act like a bunch of kids themselves.
And, like you said, the good teachers are either getting axed or are too scared to go against the current.
Do us parents have no balls either? We need to straighten this out before it becomes another disaster.
A few weeks back there was an incident with a girl that tried to hang herself in the bathroom. She’s OK, but NOTHING was DONE about the effect this had on the students…it was hushed up.
About a week ago there was a kid that has been harrassed incestantly by other kids and he made a hit list. Luckily he was caught and suspended. But, again, NOTHING is being said. NOTHING is being done. NOTHING is being addressed. The school sent out a letter downplaying the entire thing and even saying that there was no hit list.
If there was no list…..how did he get suspended…….and what about the kids that seen the list?
Rainier needs to get their head out of their behind, stand up for themselves and get rid of Carter. And then we can work on getting a good school going again. Hopefully when Carter leaves his henchmen (and women) will either leave with him or wilt into the woodwork.
As I say that…I admit that Carter scares me. I know if I start complaining, my kids would suffer. I’ve seen it happen already.
We are seriously looking at Claskanie for next year!
May 2nd, 2008
Chris
Teeh–
Carter is VERY good at downplaying any controversy. I will refrain from saying anything further about that…
May 3rd, 2008
gordo
Yes, Mike Carter is very pleasant guy, until you stand your ground against him about something you feel strongly about. My wife used to volunteer with the HOSTs program. She KNOWS first hand about the discipline issues at this school. Actually, I think the highschool is better behaved than the elementry kids. We used to sit in the parking lot and watch other kids shoving and tripping our youngest. Teachers never knew. You bring something like that to Carter and tell him it’s a problem at HIS school? Meet evil Carter. Blissfully ignorant or just blissfully satan. Don’t you dare even get me talking about the bus. A living hell for the well behaved kids.
May 17th, 2008
Rainier Alumini
I have just a few things to say. Chris. The people who want Carter out of this school district need to band together, get a private investigator, and start probing. I promise you…. they will find what they need. And honestly…. Michael….. he should look for another job and get while the getting is good, because once this private investigator lays out the information he will come up with… Michael will wish he never stepped foot in Rainier. Come on…Rainier parents… think…think… be wise…be smart…. hush for now…. just start with the PI. Form a group… put in some funds..Who will open the pocketbook and place down the first buck…..????
YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN…
I’d head this group up myself…. though… After living in Rainier for over 20 years… I moved my kids out….but I care so much about this…and M C…he has always been an issue…the stories I could tell…… People of Rainier…. Chose a leader…. someone step forward and get this party started!!!!
Jun 30th, 2008
Rainier Alumini
I’ll add to my previous post… RAINIER ALUMINI…….
If someone will do this…. I will place my money where my mouth is.
Chris can email me… and tell me where to send it.
Do it…do it…do it….
Jun 30th, 2008
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