"Jerk's" mother thinks Korte is an idiot

The war of words between APS school board member and batterer Kathy Korte, and the mother of a special needs student that Korte publicly labeled a "jerk", continues, link, under a headline reading;

"Mother Upset With APS Official Korte"

Why does it not read;  Mother Upset With APS Board Member Korte"?

The mother is upset, not only because Korte labeled her son a "jerk", but also because Korte did it within her elected capacity;
as a school board member specifically.  The parent's specific complaint is;

“It’s inconceivable to me that they have somebody as a board member that is pretty much in control of this school district that can act that way."

My understanding is that reporters like Hailey Heinz, don't write the headlines over their stories.  I am given to understand headlines are written by someone with an editorial interest.  In this case; an interest in manipulating public perception of the School Board.

When board members do well, they're "board members".
When they're an embarrassment, they're "officials".

The parent is particularly upset that Korte, who admits
not knowing the youngster, relied on hearsay about him.
She called Korte an idiot.

There is another disturbing aspect that coming to light; APS' investigation of the allegation was not completed "because the accused had retired".  The mother stands behind her son's allegation, saying his story never changed, and that she is certain he is telling the truth.  Maybe they'll sue.

Where is their due process?  When the parent and her lawyer going looking for public records, there won't be any. The investigation should have been completed regardless. 

Korte averred the accusation was FALSE despite her lack any first hand knowledge about the situation.

I am reminded of school board member
Robert Lucero telling the media, the
allegations against APS Chief of Police
Gil Lovato, and of felony criminal
misconduct by senior APS administrators,
amounted to nothing more than
grumblings from a disgruntled former
employee.

Apparently even disgruntled former employees get it right every once in a while, link.

Korte declined comment on the parent's concerns.
She decided to not apologize to the parent or to her child, or
to her constituents, including student constituents.

Korte is one of the senior-most role models of the standards of conduct students are expected to "model and promote"; the Pillars of Character Counts!; a nationally recognized, accepted and respected code of ethical conduct.

Korte - role modeling the Pillar of Respect

Korte claims a handicap in defending the district against allegations from parents and community members.  She claims the district has limited ability to defend employees.  My understanding has been, their litigation budget is unlimited.  Their insurance premiums were raised specifically in response to excessive costs for litigation.  They spend so much money litigating, they won't tell you how much money they spend litigating.

She says the district can't discuss student discipline records.  That applies to individual students, not to students collectively.  Korte gives at least tacit approval to the cover up of student discipline issues in general.  She complains, ... our schools cannot comment because of confidentiality laws.   More often than they should, "confidentiality laws" are used to hide administrative and executive incompetence and corruption, and not to protect legitimate interests.




Korte's photo comes from her Facebook page
Lucero's from Mark Bralley