I am a 1952 graduate of Oregon School for the Deaf. Also, I represent Oregon School for the Deaf Alumni Association. I know Jane Mulholland for about 15 years. I have observed her performances in two different committees. She was very professional, and showed her commitment to the successful learning for the deaf/hard of hearing children in a safe environment. She was a flexible team player and adhered to the rules imposed by ODE.
Your article raised several questions. I am appalled that you did not investigate further into these issues. Since ODE has always been the direct supervisor of OSD and OSB for many years, it is obvious ODE has failed its role as an effective supervisor. It indicates the system is not working well. Instead, ODE is sending out smoking screens, implicating the failure on Jane Mulholland as having failed instead of taking responsibilities for the rules they set up or failing to provide resources on this issue. The blame should point to ODE. ODE is making Jane a scapegoat for its failures. Also, it is obvious ODE is creating smoke screens to hide the real agenda behind the reason for firing Ms. Mulholland.
The raised questions are:
1. As we all know, safety is always been an issue in ALL schools. There are more issues in public schools than in residential schools. Why isn’t ODE hard on ALL school systems regarding the safety issues?
2. Why did ODE not provide the results of 3 separate studies, including a safety investigation, to Ms. Mulholland?
3. Is ODE making an example of firing Ms. Mulholland to make an example to heads of other programs?
4. Is ODE trying to put fear in the directors of other programs and public schools?
5. Why has ODE not been a nurturing team player with OSD and OSB in the past?
6.Why did ODE withheld the available resources from OSD until now?
7. Is ODE flexing its muscle to show its bulliness on OSD with approval of DOJ?
8. Is ODE trying to make the directors of OSD and OSB into their puppets?
9. Is ODE trying to pave the way to make an easy merger of OSD and OSB without an opposition from both directors and public?
Mr. Carter, I dare you to investigate further into each question to get a honest answer. We know that you will not be able to find the honest answers and that ODE is INCAPABLE of giving the honest answers. ODE has not been able to give the honest answers since December 28, 2006.
We are COMMITTED to continue with our protest in front of ODE and Capitol 2 to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday until Jane Mulholland is reinstated in her rightful position.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Johnson
cc: Jane Mulholland
Lisa Liao, Statesman Journal
Gov. Kulongoski
State Board Members of Education
Oregon Deaf Coalition
Senators and House Representatives