Sproull refused to comment on the resignation beyond pointing to her resignation letter which is public record.
The letter reads:
Polk School Board Members,
It is with deep regret that I submit my notice of resignation from the Polk School District Board of Education, effective immediately. I hope you take the time to read this entire letter. Before describing the details of my decision, I want to offer some context.
I am proud of everything I have done for the students of our great county. In no way is this decision easy or entered into lightheartedly. We as a board have tackled some huge challenges. Many of these issues have landed me squarely in the crosshairs, while most of you have willingly have sat quiet by. I certainly hoped the entire board would be unified in our decisions. Unfortunately, far too many times have lacked the courage to stand up for beliefs and principles that should guide us, especially when dealing with our children's future.
I take this action after a solid and honorable term, easily defined and explained. I can no longer effectively perform my duties in this dysfunctional environment with so many who follow only the popular politics of the day and not the sensible direction we were sworn in to provide.
I felt my time spent in the classroom as a college student, teaching in the field, pastoring to churches, and mothering to four children would bring valuable insight to this board. However, it is obvious I am not a politician willing to keep status quo. I have the utmost respect for our faculty across the county, and the hard work they perform daily in the classroom. I am disappointed and frustrated by the lack of support. I feel you have failed to stand up to and face against untrue and unfair accusations. Your failure to defend a fellow board member against baseless and reckless accusations prove the disunity and willingness of this body has to sacrifice one of its own. I am deeply saddened and even more concerned about the legal precedent you have set from this point forward, I am convinced my well being, talents, and passions could be directed toward more fulfilling and rewarding undertakings.
I feel this precedent you have allowed to take place will be a huge mistake and potentially crippling to you and future members elected. I have done nothing ethically, legally, or morally wrong. I certainly hope everyone's personal life stays confidential because you are all now at the scrutiny of any disgruntled employee or stakeholder seeking to settle a grudge. I doubt many of you will stand strong when these winds of political sentiment turn on you.
This is the right choice for me. I wish you all luck in your attempt to govern the county's educational body and hope future decisions are not clouded by fear.
Sincerly,
Crystal Sproull
Polk School Board of Education Member
Here's what I know about the school board:
Board members are paid a salary for their "service". They are also paid for attending committee meetings. You would expect they would attend only the meetings of the committees they were on.....but you would be wrong. Many of them went to every committee meeting......for the money.
When the rule was changed so that the board members who were actually on a committee were paid for meetings, the non-committee-members quit coming.
They tell us they "do it for the kids". Yeah, right!