It is reported that Peoria District 150 Board of Education has voted to release Julie McArdle, who is the first year principal at Lindbergh Middle School, from her contract. Ms. McArdle has in return accused the District of firing her because she had informed them of financial discrepancies that were allegedly perpetrated by the former principal of Lindbergh, Mary Davis. Ms. Davis currently works as an Academic Officer for District 150.As District 150 embarks upon an extensive reorganization that will require massive cuts, it is important that all of their employees and administrators feel comfortable coming forward with discrepancies and cost cutting ideas. Who knows better about what's really going on in schools than the teachers and principles in daily attendance. We need for educators to not be afraid that they will be harassed, punished, or fired for having the courage to speak up when they see conduct that is contrary to what is good for the children.
When a person elects to take the route that Ms. McArdle has taken, the emotional toll is great. Not just to her, but to her family and subsequently this Community. Whistleblowers are generally seen as brave, the person who is willing to take a stand against the system. It is unfortunate that Ms. McArdle’s practices have also been called into question by commenters on local blogs, but that is par for the course. Whistleblowing is never really cut and dry as the whistleblower is always expected to be above reproach. Having said that, the whistleblower that is above reproach, is said to be rare...
Is this just a knee-jerk reaction on District 150’s behalf? Instead of addressing the problems that Ms. McArdle raised, they decided it would be easier to fire her and risk her going public, even if it meant colluding unlawfully? Really? I’m still trying to get my mind around that one.
The allegation of violating the rights of a whistleblower is right up there with going along with discrimination - wrong. The nuances of both are extensively intricate. The documentation will tell the true story.