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Corunna School Board's Gary Bendall resigns

By SEAN ELY, Argus-Press Staff Writer

Friday, November 20, 2009 10:03 AM EST

CORUNNA - To Gary Bendall, the golden rule - treat others the way you would want to be treated - means everything.

After a number of instances in which Bendall, a Corunna Board of Education member, felt people weren't being treated fairly, he decided he couldn't be part of the situation any longer.

The 10-year trustee abruptly resigned his seat on the Corunna Board during Monday's meeting.

“I don't need to be there anymore,” he said. “Our visions have changed and that was evident in my vote on the diversity issue. We have always tried to keep what's good for the students in the district but I think we've strayed from that - strayed from the goals.”

Bendall submitted a two-paged letter to President Maureen Stanley stating, “While disagreeing on specific issues is healthy I do not share the apparent narrow vision of the current Board.”

Bendall said the letter accurately states his concerns and reason for stepping down.

He told Stanley he never wanted to be a renegade board member who butts heads with everyone, appearing as a pain in the neck during voting or discussions.

Bendall was one of two Board members recently who voted against removing a display highlighting Gay-Lesbian Awareness Month. The Board eventually rescinded its action because it violeted the school's Diversity Club's First Amendment rights. Bendall, though, did not reference that incident in his letter.

Stanley did not return Argus-Press phone calls for comment Tuesday.

Board member Brenda Walworth said Bendall will be missed.

“We're really going to miss his wit and wisdom,” said Board secretary Walworth. “He was a great addition to the board who added a lot of maturity. He will be missed.”

In his letter, Bendall mentions former Corunna school employees Lisa Burwell and Tracy Flagg and what he sees as unprofessionalism expressed toward them upon their resignations from the district. He also makes reference to a Corunna elementary school principal and office manager.

The now-former Board member wrote “the way we treat our students is directly related to the way we treat our employees. I can only ask that you as members of the Board/Superintendent team to truthfully look at how and why these personnel changes took place, and ask yourselves is that the way you would want to be treated.”

Bendall's last point was that important enforcement policies, such as cell phone use, sexual harassment and employee theft are not discussed while long-standing traffic issues keep coming up without solutions.

He said ongoing problems with the policies date to fall 2008. The problems undermine authority and neglect of the importance of administrators and supervisors.

“I believe we, as a Board, have strayed from the aforementioned goals with no perceived path of return,” he concluded in the letter. “I will therefore resign effective immediately.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark Miller said he did not see the trustee's departure coming.

“I hate to lose a valuable Board member who's been around such a long time,” Miller said. “He was one of the most senior Board members. We're going to miss him, obviously.”

The trustee chair must be filled within 30 days. Interested parties are asked to apply with the Board of Education. The Board will go through an interviewing process and make a selection by Dec. 16.

The appointee will complete Bendall's term before an election is conducted at the next general election.

“I've had this happen before elsewhere,” Miller said. “It happens at times through a lot of school boards - a situation comes up where they don't want to be part of the board.”

Bendall said everyone is different and forcing ways of thinking onto someone is unhealthy.

“I'm not going to tell somebody how I want them to act, or what attitude they should have,” he said. “They should do what's best for students, if it's good for the students, then follow it. That's the absolute key.”

Comment on this Story

Retiredstaff01 wrote on Nov 30, 2009 7:15 PM:

" Please if you are a blog teckie.....I would ENCOURAGE you to attend CPS board meetings, talk with the board members, it is OK to contact them.

There is a LOT more to this story than the sad coverage by the Argus. Notice that the negative or one issue people are the driving force behind all this garbage. Thank goodness their has been MAJOR change, not only at the Superintendent level but at the Board of Education. CPS NEEDED these changes and will be better off in the long run. Let these people do their jobs and GET INVOLVED! Your input will be WELCOMED, not IGNORED as under the previous administration.

Where was Saint Gary Bendall when John Smith drove EXCELLENT employees out? Did he just learn the "golden rule"? Just having that statement tied to HIS name is a PURE JOKE. Gary Bendall is the KING of the YES People. "

Vaughn Alliton wrote on Nov 27, 2009 12:15 PM:

" I just heard about this shameful action of the School Board led by Maureen Wilson, yes Maureen Wilson. She was my 5th grade teacher and I had looked up to her. I looked up to her until I find out that she let's hateful bigotry lead her life.
I just have to say to Maureen Wilson (Stanley), shame on you. You have now lost the respect of one of your former students who used to admire and look up to you.
Vaughn Alliton, Corunna High School Class of 1984 (New York City, NY) "

concerned parent wrote on Nov 24, 2009 11:40 PM:

" What is going on with our school district? My husband and I will be attending the next board meeting to voice our concerns. We have had enough of the declining quality and poor leadership from the the new Nellie Reed principal...(aka form High school coach/teacher now trying to lead an elementary school). They keep pushing all their quality people away! What a joke! "

gradCPS wrote on Nov 22, 2009 8:49 PM:

" Superintendents and principals have belonged to "associations/unions/ yet we trust them to do their best for our children. I am happy that people who have experience/knowledge of how a school system SHOULD work are interested in being a board member. Without that background, they can only relate to what is presented to them, how would you know when/what things to question?

Ms. Stanley not only coached our daughter but taught ALL my children to drive. She was always very positive and interested in not just our students but the community. We should be happy to have such a person on our board. Ms. Stanley volunteers her time as a tutor and in several classrooms. She attends many activities for CPS.

If you are worried go to a school board meeting and get involved. These people are doing their best for our schools. "

Your cousin in VA wrote on Nov 22, 2009 8:15 PM:

" Hey Gary, Thanks, and I really mean thanks. It takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in. Been there, done that, and I know it's not easy. Trust me, it's worth it. In the mornings I look in the mirror and I like the person I see because I stick my neck out when I know it's the right thing to do.
Deb "

realvoter wrote on Nov 22, 2009 7:57 PM:

" Just a quick comment, I am a regular voter who is happy that people who have ACTUALLY worked for a school system are willing to be on the school board. These people know how the system should be working for the students and will ask the RIGHT questions. Don't be afraid of their backgound, it can be a real asset. (Don't doctors and other professionals serve on their boards?) Many MI boards have EXPERIENCED people on their boards, let's be happy about it. "

A Insider wrote on Nov 22, 2009 7:34 AM:

" It was Stanley that needs to resign,her morals and values, are only self serving and we don,t need a control freak on the board. There,s way to much you don,t know about her. Stanley go away!!! "

kiely oreilly wrote on Nov 21, 2009 9:45 PM:

" We need school board members who are willing to stand up to the ACLU and other Political Action Committees. "

Glad to be Leaving wrote on Nov 21, 2009 7:32 PM:

" Thanks Gary for doing what you believed in. To all of those who were against taking down the signs, good for you. For all of you righteous better than thou who consider only the way you live to be right, shame on you, shame on all of you. We now know who the unhealthy ones are. I am so glad to know that there are only a few "chosen" individuals who could believe that their way is the only way and goodness knows, we all should jump on your band wagon. I would love to have a bus for all of you to ride out of town and let you be dropped off in the holier than thou land. I am so glad that I will be leaving this community because you all need to have a wake up call. Are there any Christians amongst you? If so, do any of you so called Christians ever read a Bible? There is the one verse that states "judge not and yea shall not be judged. Condemn not and yea shall not be condemned." Hmmmmmm, who can say they fall into this category. Shame on all of you who think that any other way of life than yours is unhealthy. Shame on you!!! "

Fran72 wrote on Nov 20, 2009 10:04 PM:

" Hannah, you may blindly support your uncle, but it DOES NOT matter if your brother rode bikes since youth, your uncle DID put him in harm's way. If he will do it to a relative what will he do to other people's children? (Your brother should not have been driving that motorcycle.)

You do not SMEAR something you claim to be a SUPPORTER of...Corunna Public Schools will be better off without Gary Bendall on the school board. "

Brownie wrote on Nov 20, 2009 7:23 PM:

" *concerned voter* Thank you for the translation. Point taken. "

JOHN DOE wrote on Nov 20, 2009 7:22 PM:

" It's about time John Smith moves from this area and takes all his cronies with him. Smith, people know you are behind this junk. Glad to see Bendall gone, nothing but a yes man, couldn't hold a job anyplace for any amount of time. "

Scott wrote on Nov 20, 2009 3:55 PM:

" How many people did Mr. Bendall get rid of who'd done a good job? How many arms did he twist to try to get his way? And now the false accusations against the Superintendent, which people who've known him for decades know to be impossible... Yet he feigns concern about how people are poorly treated? From my point of view, this fellow has done a favor for the school district by resigning. My prayer is that he repent for his transgressions, make true amends and find an inner peace that seems sorely lacking. Now let's dispense with all the drama and get back to the business at hand: bettering the scholastic achievements of the students and thus empowering the community. "

concerned voter wrote on Nov 20, 2009 3:32 PM:

" Brownie

In short, Mr. Bendall will not be missed. He seems to quit if his view is not agreed with. Also, it sounds like there is some sort of conspiracy going on against the new superintendent. The staff for the most part are doing a good job but they need to be careful because what they are doing behind the scene may back fire. I hope I am wrong about the conspiracy but I have been to a few board meetings and it is obvious that there are those who are trying to discredit the board and superintendent. All I can say is let there be peace and get on with making Corunna Schools the best district to send our children. My children graduated from here and compared to other districts, we are the best. Let us work together to make a difference. I would also suggest people to attend a board meeting. It appears to be running smooth and good. "

Brownie wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:22 AM:

" *concerned voter*, I'm sure your post was trying to make certain points. However, those points were totally lost with all the rambling you were doing. In brief, what exactly are you trying to say? "

retiredstaff01 wrote on Nov 19, 2009 10:07 PM:

" COME ON PEOPLE! THERE IS MORE TO THIS STORY. Gary Bendall was one of the biggest "YES" men for John Smith. Where was he when MANY employees were harrassed etc?

Let the new leadership get the job done.

Mr. Bendall good bye....sorry it did not happen a lot sooner. "

Concerned Taxpayer wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:01 PM:

" 1st of all, do we know that Mr.Bendall even had an interview with the Arugs Press? When I read first read the story and saw the reference to read the letter online it seemed as though the person who printed the story just pulled from this "maybe" leaked letter? Was this letter supposed to be public??? It named specific employees or former employees and pesonal information. I would like to think that Mr. Bendall didn't release this. Where did the letter come from? Maybe we should really ask who is doing the smearing of Corunna Schools before accusing.
When will people understand that a school board should not be ran by the MEA/unions? That is like handing over the check book of a company to its employees. Teachers are great people but who of us in the real world gets to have a vote or maybe four votes to decide our own salaries, benefits and contracts? Food for thought! It that placing kids needs first? (ed. Note: Gary provided the letter to the full board during a meeting. It was a public document provided by the superintendent. And, yes, Gary did speak with a reporter.) "

Bendall fan wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:58 PM:

" I have known Mr. Bendall very well, for most of my adult life. I for one, think that he is one of the most honest, hard-working, honorable people, that I have the pleasure of knowing. It's a sad day, when Corunna schools loses one of it's greatest assets. In my opinion, the whole school district, needs to get over their "holier than thou" attitude and take a lesson from Mr. Bendall. People make mistakes and I for one, will be thinking long and hard, about the placement of my child, next school year. God knows, I don't want her growing up, believing that she is better than anyone else, simply because of the school district she was in. "

CHS student and Gary Bendalls neighbor wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:35 PM:

" I am utterly disappointed at the Corunna School Board's lost membership of Gary Bendall. He offered a refreshing opinion that was sometimes different than most board member. After all, isn't having a variety of opinions the whole purpose of a board? I'm proud he had the courage to do what he believed was right. Gary Bendall is a great man, great neighbor, and was a great asset to the board. He will be missed. "

Hannah Bendall wrote on Nov 19, 2009 3:08 PM:

" EXCUSE ME... that was my brother that was in the accident.. whoever wrote that doesn't know SH*T (fran72).. my brother has been driving bikes since he has had been little. The bike broke when my brother was driving. If you had any class you would not of brought that up. My uncle cares so much about all of us and the kids of Corunna High School. My uncle was NOT intoxicated. DO NOT believe everything you read in the paper. They went on a ride and my uncle had one or two beers. Fran are you saying you never went out to eat and grabbed a beer to drink. My brother drove because he wanted to. You should see how he rides a dirt bike, anyone would have trusted him to drive that bike. SO FRAN you are a moron. Way to make yourself look like a complete idiot! "

concerned voter wrote on Nov 19, 2009 2:25 PM:

" Hey Fed up employee. Did you ever complain how the building principals treat their staff? Have you brought up your concerns to the supt or school board? The board cares about its kids but this kind of stuff does not help. We should all be unified instead of blasting each other. "

concerned voter wrote on Nov 19, 2009 2:22 PM:

" Wow...Mr. bendall is being blown up to be a saint!!! what a joke! Remember, he was in a serious accident causing serious injury to himself and an unlicensed nephew because he was intoxicated! Why wasnt this fact published? No one ever heard what became of it. Did the former supt pull some strings like he did for his son? Talk about a corrupt politician. Where was he when the former supt ran the district like Hitler? The current board was voted in by us because we wanted a change and now boo hoo everyone has a problem. Does everyone really know what all of the board views were on the diversity club display? Did anyone ask? The title of the display said History Month not awareness month that Dan Basso seems to think it read. Where is the history in it? I am sure if the word awareness was put in the display there would not have been a problem with it. Does anyone know if any state rules were violated when it was put up? Did the HS principal even check with anyone to see if any rules were violated? I think not because she and other administrators are doing what they can to discredit the board and Mr. Miller. What hidden agenda do they have? Boy, are they actually starting to do the work they were hired to do or are they just crying over spilled milk because they have to work? Goodbye Mr. Bendall. You will not be missed as much as you think. You seemed to quit instead of trying to turn things around like they were in the past. Too bad we voted for change and you are one of two that want to live in the old age. Dont worry people...John Smith will never be back because he did more damage behind the scene than what most people know. The current board smelled a rat and got rid of it. "

Todd wrote on Nov 19, 2009 1:03 PM:

" Thank goodness Gary is gone! Talk about treatment of staff, look at how Smith and the old board treated the staff, everyone lived in fear. Thank you board and hats off to Dr. Miller who attends everything and works hard for our students and supports the staff. "

cheated wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:56 AM:

" Please don't run for public office again. You will just quit when the times get tough. I supported you and voted for you to do the right thing as a board member and quitting before your term is up is not the right thing. As my representative, you took away my vote and now they will appoint someone who I might not be in favor of. "

cavs mom wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:46 AM:

" I do not know this man at all, but i can say this...glad someone was there to support keeping that poster up! One other thing too...my THREE kids have gone to and 1 currently still attends the high school and feel they DO have the very best educational standards, teachers, buildings, coaches, office personnel in this county and beyond. Our small city will agree to higher taxes for building improvements so our kids are safe...unlike Owosso and their falling apart "middle school" thats only for 7th and 8th graders! Dont even degrade our schools when Owosso is not even a comparison to Corunna! "

Applauding Gary wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:12 PM:

" Gary, Thank you for standing up for what is right! "

Anne wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:40 PM:

" I too thank Mr. Bendall for the courage of his convictions... I am, however, somewhat amused at a few of you who thought he was as shallow as you yourselves are... and am wondering how long it will take you to realize that Gary was one of the two with the insight to vote AGAINST removing the display in the first place... "

Fran72 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:28 PM:

" I have attended several board meetings and have not witnessed any leadership from Gary Bendall.

Isn't this the same Gary Bendall who allowed his non-licensed nephrew to drive his motorcycle because he was intoxicated? Weren't they in a very serious accident?? Wow now there is the actions of a "principled" man? He puts his own relatives in harm's way!! What will he do for students??

Where were his "morals" when the previous superintendent acted like Hitler? Good riddance to you and shame on you for trashing the other board members who are trying to do their jobs. "

lori wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:14 PM:

" i wouldnt want no part of the corruption either gary. "

Ex-Corunna Parent wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:10 PM:

" The Corunna school system is far from what it "USED" to be. I agree that back in the day Corunna was the school of choice for many families, however, now they are no better than any other school district in the county. The only thing that Corunna schools can do better is cover up all their problems. There are other school districts that have a much better curriculum and have additional classes available to children that Corunna does not have. So if you have children and are thinking of going to Corunna please look into the curriculum that other districts have and Co"runaway"a from Corunna.......... "

Hannah Bendall former CHS student and neice of Gary wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:07 PM:

" He is a wonderful man and he does not say he supports gay-lesbians, he just didn't think the sign needed to be taken down. He cares about the students and their own personal beliefs. My uncle has also been such a kind man who has reached out to all kinds of kids with different beliefs and abilities. HE DOES CARE! I also agree with Kari that the glory days are over. Corunna Schools are sure going to suffer without you Uncle Gary! "

Saddened friend wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:49 PM:

" I am sorry to see Corunna lose a clear, honest voice like Gary Bendall's. He is a disappearing asset -- someone with the courage and morality to speak from his heart and keep students' interests ahead of politics and finance. In a board that is being torn by members with personal agendas rather than a true understanding of community service and an educational focus, Mr. Bendall was often a voice of reason. I do not blame him for resigning, but am sad for Corunna for the loss of a valued voice and a symbol that could mark the end of an era of relative excellence if visionary leadership does not re-emerge. "

bart wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:43 PM:

" Andy your a moran and a bigot. Why don't you put your bible down for a minute and have a little tolerance for other people. If you do believe in the absolute word of the bible, judge not... You might also want to spell check. Have to love the uneducated among us. Please dont vote Andy "

Bob Cappiello wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:28 PM:

" Ms. Stanley has always been a master of "control" during her tenure as a union leader and now as Chair, Corunna School Board. Doubtless she has many friends in the community "cultivated" over a number of years. She has excellent teaching credentials and was a good teacher. I know, I subbed for her many times, but somewhere between here and there Stanley has missed the boat. How else can she not know or expect that the Gay Awareness display had staff sponsors in addition to the approval of the principal. Additionally, Stanley denied her having seconded the motion for display removal.

In her short period as board chair she demonstrated disregard of building authority, simple constitutional rights and compassion for another lifestyle. I think we leadership which is inclusive, diversive and inspiring. She is a disgrace and should resign. Mr. Bendall is to be applauded for his service and his loss confirms our Stanley criticism. "

tell it like it is wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:27 PM:

" Wow, a man that stands up against a sick and immoral lifestyle! You need to run for President sir! Gays and Libs are going to destroy this country with their garbage! "

With you on the last one wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:25 PM:

" But now once again the actions of the board are giving Corunna a black eye. Mr. bendall, If you really are "for the kids" then why bring up actions that are done and over with. Nice job putting kids first by smearing Corunna Public Schools. You never spoke up when the ridiculous actions of the former superintendant took place for years yet you try to make the point that Corunna's problems all began the fall of 2008. Come on. The staff, administration and children deserve better. Thank you for your resignation so that the board can move in the right direction. "

MW wrote on Nov 18, 2009 5:55 PM:

" I think you did an honorable thing. Its good to know someone won't put up with this garbage.ACLU or not..I would have fought them. If my children were in a school that allowed that, they would be homeschooled. If parents pulled them out what would these schools do? Thank you Mr Bendall. That had to be a rough in this economy to give up your job, "

Mystery wrote on Nov 18, 2009 5:51 PM:

" Go Gary!!! You are truly awesome and you will be truly missed. Run for Corunna City Council, you should be showing THEM how it's done! "

mom64 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 4:52 PM:

" Gary,
You did a great job and you have a lot of integrity and will be missed. Thanks for all your hard work! "

Tina wrote on Nov 18, 2009 4:03 PM:

" Bravo Gary - Bravo..... "

Fed Up Employee wrote on Nov 18, 2009 3:49 PM:

" It is a sad day in Corunna. This board member was a valuable asset to the district and recognized the ridiculous way the current board, superintendent and building principals treat the staff. It would be much better if the curriculm director would get hired somewhere else since she is applying all over. Maybe Holt will hire her on Thursday. This board, superintendent and building principals board better get on with being about kids and cut out the way they are treating employees or they will continue to lose valuable staff. The staff are what make this a school of choice and the selective attacks on some staff while disregarding the higher ups continued actions does not promote a positive healthy learning environment. "

Kari wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:48 PM:

" Kuddos to you Mr. Bendall! You were the only saving grace on that board...as it has been said before I will say it again...Corunna will not be the school of choice, the glory days are over. "

Andy wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:30 PM:

" His last comment, I am sure, has to do with the guy-lesbian issue, "unhealthy"? If you dont beleive living a guy or lesbian lifestyle is unhealth than you truely are lost and should not be a board member anyway. "