The Somerset County Board of Education held their meeting on December 17, 2024 and the meeting did not end as usual. After the meeting was adjourned, the camera and microphones continued to record. To our surprise, the superintendent can be clearly heard stating her intention to close down Deal Island Elementary School, which “should have been closed down years ago.” Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, Superintendent of schools shared her secret plan with her administrative assistant who can also be seen and heard agreeing with the superintendent’s position. The superintendent acknowledges that she did something wrong by her own making, and blames her assistant when she said, “are you trying to get me in trouble?
The original video of the meeting was posted on the school district’s website, which became public record. When it became known that the recording had been discovered, the superintendent ordered the video to be altered to remove that portion. This was done despite being warned not to alter the public record, going against the advice of an elected board member to leave the video intact.
In fear that the record would be altered to flee public transparency and scrutiny, the Delmarva Parent Teacher Coalition archived the original video just hours before.
The original video can be seen below with added subtitles.
Great that somebody had the knowledge to archive and keep all comments preserved. It may come in handy later.
She ain’t going nowhere! She was just telling the truth and nothing bit the truth!!! Close that depleted school down that is draining the Somerset County economy!!!!
Deadbeats are draining Somerset’s economy! Everyone knows that…
Dr. Tasker,
Do you see that? No? It’s your career light, and it just went out.
Regards,
Paladin
From the Somerset County web page. Superintendent’s answer to the Board….Ooppss…..
December 20, 2024
Dear SCPS Community:
The members of the Board of Education are keenly aware of community concerns that have arisen about Deal Island Elementary School, especially those in the local school community, since the Board’s meeting on Tuesday evening. The Board shares your concerns, will be reviewing them, and anticipates you will hear more on this topic in the near future. In the interim, please be assured that this Board has not discussed closing the school. Moreover, significant changes to Deal Island or any other Somerset County Public Schools facility or instructional program cannot and will not be made without the Board’s knowledge, input, or approval.
William McInturff signature
William McInturff – Board Chairperson, On behalf of the Members of the Board
cc: Dr Ava Tasker-Mitchell