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I want to address a recent online post that links staff resignations to mental health concerns while criticizing the district’s leadership. As many of you have seen, the post includes staff photos with “X” marks over their faces and makes sweeping generalizations about their departures.

The post is misleading. Some of the individuals pictured are still employed, others retired after many years of dedicated service, some have resigned or were probationary non-renewed, and one tragically passed away this year. Including a staff member who died in a discussion about resignations/moves is not only inaccurate but deeply disrespectful.

Attributing a single cause to such a range of individual situations misrepresents the facts and dismisses the complexity of each individual situation. It’s also irresponsible to invoke mental health as a tool for assigning blame rather than treating it with the seriousness, sensitivity, and care it truly deserves.

I acknowledge that, like any organization, our district is not without challenges. There are always areas for growth and improvement. However, posts that distort facts and cast blame do not contribute to meaningful progress; they hinder it. Constructive dialogue, rooted in truth, is the path forward for solution-based discussions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Austin Public Schools