Kay Hollabaugh resigns from UASD Board of Directors

Kay E. Hollabaugh read an emotional statement announcing her resignation from the school board at this evening’s Upper Adams School District Curriculum & Extra-Curricular Committee meeting.

After serving since 2023 as an interim replacement following the tragic death of her son Bruce Hollabaugh in March 2022, she was elected to a full term in 2024. Bruce was was on the board when he passed and the UASD boardroom has been dedicated to him. 

The following was the statement she read:

“I have served on and chaired many boards in my lifetime.  Serving on a school board is unique.  In my humble opinion, school directors face a challenging learning curve such that understanding of the position requires at least 3 years of service. I have served on this board for over 4 years which is enough time to understand this responsibility, but which also gives me pause when I consider that I am the senior member of this group.  It is at a time when strong, experienced leadership is paramount.

Our board – although perhaps well-intended – is made up of a unique mixture of people and personalities.  We have home-schooling parents, we have a father and son, we have one who mostly resides in another country, and we have a lot of personal agendas at play. 

I want to express my sincere appreciation to the voting community for the opportunity to serve in my current capacity.  I am well-aware that I received the most votes in the past election.  That knowledge has caused me some angst in coming to this decision.  But I have done my best to attempt to keep our focus on the kids.  That’s why we are here.

I am grateful for the chance to work for such a great community and alongside such a dedicated group of staff, parents and students.  I worked beside Dr. Wes Doll – a true example of good leadership in the world of Superintendents; beside Dr. Don Bell – who helped us navigate the waters from one Super to the next – always willing, able and skilled at answering our questions.  He was a godsend; beside Ryan Gerber – who brought so much fun, energy, expertise and knowledge to his position.  He tendered his resignation last month; beside Shelley Hobbs – who is just brilliant, highly competent and has worked so incredibly hard for our district.  She tendered her resignation on Monday.  I fear she is irreplaceable; and beside Joe Albin who has always been a team player and excelled in his position.  Just ask a question about curriculum and he has the answer and inherently knows how to treat people well in our district.  He could write a book on how to manage people with a focus on kindness, respect, professional decorum, and open communication. 

I have also interacted with the building administrators, principals and faculty and have found them all to be committed, engaged, caring and hard-working.  I don’t know how you could find a better team.  And we had them all here at Upper Adams.  Until recently.

I have grown increasingly uneasy regarding the direction of our District.  Our leadership at the top is weak.  Our key administrative team is leaving our District.  And our largely inexperienced board tends to play “follow the leader.”  I have attempted to make my voice heard, but most often I am criticized and stifled. I am the curriculum chair and I work closely with Mr. Albin.  Recently I was directed to tell Mr. Albin to not share so much information.  Dr. Dishong backed up that sentiment – give less information.  Now we don’t want to hear from a member of our administrative team? Yet some board members are permitted to speak at great length without restriction.

A turning point for me was when we allowed 60 teachers to stand in our crowded boardroom despite my asking twice if we should reconsider moving to the auditorium.  I was told – “let them stand”.  They stood.  Until one passed out.  That image will be etched in my brain forever.

Too often, we have focused on things that have nothing to do with the betterment of our district and our students.  This board is very budget-minded.  Yet we spend a lot of time on small expenditures while seemingly having unlimited budget for legal matters.  And we have spent enormous time and resources making issues of policy that truly have never been an issue. 

When I interviewed for a spot on the Board back in 2023, I honed in on the writing on the boardroom wall: Decisions for the best interest of students.  Our Mission – The Upper Adams School District provides challenging and inspiring educational opportunities, empowering each student to be a responsible and productive individual.  And our Vision?  All students college and career ready.  I have to question if our current board members are even thinking about those things.

All this said, I remain committed to ensuring my support and continued advocacy not as a board member but as a citizen.  If you want to talk to me individually, please feel free to reach out to me directly and we can discuss my concerns at another time without board level restrictions.

In summary,  I believe I can now best serve our community by resigning my position as School Director and participating as a regular member of that same community.  I wish the community, parents, staff, and especially the students. great success in the future.  This will be my last board meeting and I will no longer serve as a director effective immediately.