Editor’s note: The following is a statement by former Brookings High School principal Justin Stanley, presented here as a Speak Out column. It has been edited only for style.
As has been reported, my contract as principal of Brookings High School was terminated last Friday, June 27, at a special board meeting. Although I was not legally afforded a hearing or due process, I had initially chosen not to comment publicly, hoping to allow the legal process to proceed without interference. However, recent communications have resulted in confusion within the school community and I feel compelled to make a single statement.
The letters Superintendent Schultz sent to staff and families have led to assumptions and speculations surrounding the circumstances leading to my sudden departure with the new school year approaching. With this being the fourth principal in four years at the high school, I understand why the public has questions. While I cannot address specific claims in detail, as I was not granted an opportunity to respond through a formal process, I can say this: I conducted myself with integrity, high character, respect and within professional and legal boundaries.
The issue at hand was incomplete teacher evaluations, something I take full responsibility for. I acknowledged to the superintendent that there were extenuating circumstances. She stated: “No free passes.”
On Monday, June 23, I was given no hearing and no opportunity to respond before being told to resign or be terminated with four days to figure it out. I immediately contacted an advisor who works nationally with separations in K-12 education. He was surprised by the district’s approach and reached out to the district’s attorney in hopes of finding a solution. Initially, there was no response. He spoke to Superintendent Schultz on Thursday, June 26, and she just laughed and refused to talk with him. Miraculously, the attorney called him after the call to the Superintendent. After a one-hour discussion, the district’s attorney said he would try to have the Friday special board meeting rescheduled.
Obviously, that never happened, nor did the attorney notify my representative that the meeting was going forward.
Instead, I learned that the board meeting was over via text from Superintendent Schultz and she asked to discuss the meeting and I obviously declined. I was offered one month of severance and one month of family health insurance.
This was not a professional process. It lacked transparency, fairness and the mutual respect that public educators deserve. It’s worth noting again that this marks the fourth principal at Brookings High School in as many years. This pattern raises understandable concerns about leadership stability and long-term vision for the school.
Leadership stability doesn’t happen by accident; it requires thoughtful decisions, fair processes and a shared commitment to supporting those who lead our schools. That responsibility falls not only on the superintendent, but also on the school board. When decisions are made behind closed doors or without due process, it undermines trust, weakens morale and ultimately harms students. Strong schools require strong, supported leadership at every level.
I want to be clear: I was not going to quit on the students or staff of Brookings High School. My commitment to them has never wavered, and I had every intention of continuing to serve this community with integrity, dedication and an abundance of Bobcat Pride.
I grew up in Brookings and am proud to be an alumnus of Brookings High School. Serving my hometown community and its students has been a privilege and an honor. I am deeply disappointed by how this unfolded, but I stand behind the positive impact we made together.
I now have no choice but to pursue legal remedies to address what I believe to be a serious mishandling of the process and a violation of my rights under the law.
To the students, staff and families of Brookings High School: Thank you. I will miss you greatly and wish you nothing but success and stability in the future. You have my sincere gratitude and unwavering support as you move forward.
