Friends of Principia #8

March 13, 2007

Dear Friends of Principia #8,

I will not try to duplicate things you have already read at the website www.truthatprincipia.edu .

The Pilot published on March 2^nd was the last one until spring quarter [a 6 week hiatus]. Most of the articles are on line at Truth at Principia.

*Questions & Controversy dog new Dean of the College Position

*Revealed CEO/Chair split not permanent

*Faculty salaries based on faulty benchmarks

*100 questions & issues discussed at meeting [fact finding topics]

*Reform advice from community [Educators associated with Prin offer

recommendations to resolve controversy]

Attached to this letter is one article not published on line

*Expert stresses more democracy in institution

*************************************************************

In late February the College Faculty had a series of meetings concerning the Dean of Faculty position. They issued a statement outlining an "expedited process that we believe is transparent and democratic, in accord with Mrs. Morgan’s wishes and our Policies." Following an open nomination process at a combined faculty staff meeting three nominees, Dr. Tom Fuller, Dr. Karen Grayson, and Dr. Greg Sandford were selected and their names were submitted to the Trustees on March 1^st.

On March 6^th the Trustees responded to the Faculty and Staff slate of candidates. George Moffett and Stuart Jenkins will interview them and announce who will fill the position no later than the April 19^th Board Meeting.

*************************************************************

Edward T Wright, US ’42, CX ’46 wrote a piece “Our Duty to Principia” which speaks to (1) Restructuring our present administrative organization and (2) Making sure the real issues are presented, and supported with sufficient evidence. It is attached.

*************************************************************

If you look at either Truth at Principia or the Trustee’s website [www.prin.edu/trustees] you can read about the three new trustees appointed at the Board’s meeting in October. Read their bios. Anyone who donates their time and energies to Principia is appreciated. Are you impressed with their qualifications? Will the “new board” be better equipped to think and act independently? The desire of many faculty, students, staff and alumni for a board that represents more constituencies was not addressed.

*************************************************************

The Alumni office took over membership duties for the Prin Clubs last summer [they now set a uniform membership rate, send out membership solicitations and renewals, receive dues and bank the funds]. Here is how one alumnus responded to a recent membership solicitation [attached]:

Hi Kristin, [she sent the membership letter from the Alumni Office]

Thanks so much for this lovely invitation. I am deeply grateful for the education and mentoring I received at Principia College and would enjoy joining the Prin Club here...but I am not at all happy with the current actions of the CEO Stuart Jenkins and Trustees, and the direction they are going with the College. For this reason only I don't feel it would be right for me to join or contribute to the Prin Club until changes are made. Are you already familiar with the Petition for Principia? I just learned of it and wholeheartedly agree with its loving requests.

Again, thank you for contacting me and for your wonderful work for Principia! I look forward to being able to join Prin Club and help in any way I can at some point.

With gratitude,

On February 27^th Terri Jackson, Director of Alumni and Field Relations, sent a letter [attached] to the Principia Club Presidents. Her letter attempted to “calm the storm”. Unfortunately some of her words only increased the concern of many Prin supporters. She wrote in the 3^rd paragraph…

If there is one thing you do need to know, it is that one infinite God governs, and is greater than the belief of many minds. Now is the time for patience and poise, to stand firm on a spiritual foundation of trust and love for all mankind. The statements from the Principia Trustees, the governing body of the institution, are the official statements from Principia and convey all the information you need.

Joanna Reed, President of the Minnesota Prin Club took exception to this seeming limitation on free speech. She wrote back…

Dear Terri,

Undoubtedly there are hundreds of Christian Scientists around the world who are indeed aware of what is going on at Principia these days. Many hundreds are praying earnestly to see healing and resolution to issues that will bless both campuses.

As president of the Minnesota Prin Club I appreciate your reaching out to all of the various clubs. I will be sharing your e-mail with the other board members here.

There is a statement in your piece that departs from the healing message that you endeavored to impart. That being, "The statements from the Principia Trustees, the governing body of the institution, are the official statements from Principia and convey all the information you need." This leaves no room for dialog, healing, or correcting of issues presently concerning everyone. You ask that we only listen to one side. Perhaps we might want to think about our leader's words in Science and Health p. 238:25 where she says, "Society is a foolish juror, listening only to one side of the case."

If we were to obey your directions we would not know the specific things we need to pray about. Surely we should hear and respect the voices of the faculty, staff, alumni, donors without whom there would be no Principia. Some Prin clubs may be wrestling with whether to continue present activities until there is resolution - "not a false convenient peace."

************************************************************************

An observant alumnus brought to my attention the inconsistencies in requirements for Christian Science branch membership in posted jobs on the Prin website and the fact that none requires Class Instruction….even for college president

Qualifications: Active Christian Science church membership; Christian Science class instruction. [Academic Dean - Upper School]

Minimum requirements: Membership in The Mother Church and active branch church membership preferred. [Chaperones - Admissions Office]

Qualifications: Membership in The Mother Church and active branch church membership required; Christian Science class instruction preferred. [Field Development Officer ]

Qualifications: Strong Christian Science background; active Christian Science church membership and Christian Science class instruction preferred. [Summertime Discovery Program Specialist]

Qualifications: Commitment to Christian Science; active church membership; Christian Science class instruction preferred; [College President]

Qualifications: Active Christian Science church membership [Education Department Faculty]

It seems to me that Mother Church membership, Branch church membership AND Class Instruction should all be REQUIRED. Didn’t that used to be the standard????

Have you considered signing The Petition? Just released are the names of 34 initial signers.

Won’t you join them? Let’s return Christian standards to governance at Prin!

David Brooks Andrews--US'72, C'76 (preschool thru college), Wellesley, MA

Celeste Love Thurman Archer--C'83, Denver, CO

Bill Babcock--C'72, Long Beach, CA

Nancy Niblack Baxter--parent of Jim Baxter (C'84), Indianapolis, IN

Joyce Huber Blumer--C'51--Zurich, Switzerland

Edward Drake Bradley--C'43, college faculty (1946-85), Elsah, IL

Paula Richter Bradley--C'52, college faculty (1953-95), Elsah, IL

Ralph Byron Copper--C'72, Boston, MA

Russell Davis--visiting college Theatre Artist 11/97 to 1/98--Malvern, PA

Peggy Fennell DesAutels--US'73, C'77, college faculty (1980-95), Lebanon, OH

June C. Dickinson--Former college staff--RC (1979-83), parent (PS thru College), granddaughter considering college--Wolfeboro, NH

Joe Fitzgibbon--US'03, current College student--Seattle, WA

David A. Foltz--C'60, college faculty (1960-88), college Dean of Faculty (1975-78), director of Summer Session (1980-84), Big Bear Lake, CA

Jennifer W. Frutig--US'65, C'69, Costa Mesa, CA

Judith K. Frutig--US'62; Prin Club in Detroit, Chicago, Orange Co.; 2 Summer Session CSM roundtables--Costa Mesa, CA

Bobbi McAdoo Gahlon--C'70, parent, officer of local Prin Club, Arden Hills, MN

James M. Gahlon--Parent, Officer of local Prin Club--Arden Hills, MN

Henry S. Hamlin--US'41, JC'43, Faculty & Staff 1943-45, 1954-96, son of Chairman of B/T--St. Louis, MO

Marjorie Day Hamlin--US'38, employed at every level PS, LS, MS, US, college, Summer Session, PACE programs, Alumni Weekends, from 1958-80, St. Louis, MO

Douglas W. Hawes--C'54, former Trustee, Paris, France

Jonathan Hinthorne--College Senior (C'07)--Ballwin, MO

Jeralyn Prugh (Hosmer) Lewitz--C'55, college staff (off and on 1961-94), parent of 2 alumni (PS thru college), Elsah, IL

Dorothy Donnelley Moller--Friend of Principia--Paradise Valley, AZ

Richard D. Morse--US'45, C'50, Retired College Professor (1988-00)--Elsah, IL

Lucia Mouat--US'54--Chicago, IL

Brad Newsham--US'68, C'72, Oakland, CA

Virginia Davis Nordin--C'56--Lexington, KY

Lark Natalia Rodman--XUS'02, C'06--London, England

The Honorable James S. Rosebush--C'71, Washington, DC

Brooke Howell Schmidt--C'71--Portland, OR

Paul D. Schmidt--C'71 (Men's Org Pres.1970-71), NEC 2000-03--Portland, OR

Beth Manni Sydness--C'74, parent of 2 current college students, former Alumni Board, Wilton, CT

KerryLynn Blau Williams--Wife of Professor Emeritus--Hayward, CA

Paul Osborne Williams--C'56, college faculty (1964-1986)--Hayward, CA

Explanation of Petition to the Principia Board of Trustees

We expect you are aware of the crisis at Principia and the very courageous stand that the College faculty, deans, student government and some former trustees have taken.

A number of alums and friends of Principia have been wondering how they can help support the efforts to call for important changes, so there is more of the genuine spirit of Christianity and democracy that Mary Kimball Morgan expected at her school.

It seems to many people that the time has come for a petition to support those at the school itself who are courageously calling for constructive change. We hope you will consider being a signer of the petition that is copied below.

If you are willing to be a signer, please send an e-mail to petitionprincipia+sign@gmail.com and include the following:

1) Your name, and maiden name if appropriate, as you would like it to appear.

2) Your connection to Principia, with the year you graduated or the years you worked at the school. If you don't have an obvious connection, you can simply say "Friend of Principia."

3) The city, state and country you live in.

4) Clear permission to use your name.


Please feel free to share this explanatory note and the petition with others whom you think might be willing to be signers. Please put your own personal note at the top of the explanation and copy the explanation and petition into your own e-mail before sending it, rather than simply forwarding it.

Petition to the Principia Board of Trustees

We, the undersigned, believe deeply that Principia needs to be returned to the moral and spiritual foundation that Mary Kimball Morgan established for it. We are earnestly praying for the school that has meant so much to our lives, as we hope it will to future generations. May it be filled with more of the integrity, genuine love for one another, and the spirit of godliness that are consistent with Christian Science. We believe the steps outlined in this petition will do much to help restore Principia to its founder's vision for it. Your willingness to take these steps would send a strong signal that you understand the trust that has been placed upon you as officers of a school that in the deepest sense belongs to so many people.

Sometimes an individual becomes too controversial for the good of the institution he or she serves. We believe this has become the case with Stuart Jenkins and his role at Principia, and so we ask that he have the grace to step down as CEO and Trustee and let the school move forward. Surely, such an unselfish act would bless him, perhaps in ways not yet known, as well as bless Principia. If he's not willing to step down, we ask that the Trustees remove him from both offices, with dignity but promptly, before confidence in the Trustees and the school is eroded further.

We believe that during his tenure as President, Dr. George Moffett has expressed the kind of vision, genuine love of others and understanding of Principia's spiritual purpose that are crucial to the future of the school. We ask that he be invited to remain as President of Principia College.

We are grateful that the Trustees stated in their memo of February 13, 2007, that "there will be no retribution against any participant in the [fact finding and dispute resolution] process." This promise should also apply retroactively to anyone who has raised concerns about problems at Principia.

The CEO should not be holding meetings with students that are closed to faculty and parents. At the very least, these private meetings create the appearance of attempting to assert personal influence and control over the students' views. This kind of behavior is unacceptable at any school or academic institution, most of all Principia.

We urge that the top-down management style that is currently practiced be replaced with genuine consulting of those who are affected by decisions. This step would do a great deal to help make Principia more of a school where students love to study, where faculty and staff love to work, and that alums and donors love to support. We were saddened that the Trustees appointed an Interim Dean of the College on February 21, 2007, without first consulting the College faculty, as they've requested. Such actions are inconsistent with the Trustees' assertions that they are committed to bridging divides in the Principia community.

We deeply regret that the Trustees were not willing to abstain from appointing new Trustees until after the fact finding and dispute resolution process. To have waited would have shown more respect for all at Principia who asked to be included in a discussion of how Trustees are selected. We ask that such a discussion take place with the Principia Community as a whole before any future Trustees are selected.

We believe it would help a great deal if you practiced rotation in office by enforcing, without exception, the current term limit for yourselves of nine years.

We urge you, the Trustees, to take these steps promptly and decisively in order that faith in you and in Principia itself may be restored.

We are committed to praying for Principia with all our heart that nothing prevent it from fulfilling its deepest purpose and from blessing all who come in contact with it.

With gratitude,

Paul Schmidt JD GRI

College Class of ‘71

**************************************************************************************************

Expert stresses more democracy in institution

Prin graduate and CEO of WorldBlu holds talk about the need for more open policies within business design

By Katie Farquhar

Staff writer

On February 15 and 16, Traci Fenton, a Principia graduate who is an ex­pert on organizational democracy and is the founder and CEO of the company WorldBlu, addressed Wanamaker audiences about the importance of democratic institu­tions.

WorldBlu is a business design studio, a company that aims to change the benevolent dictatorships of the business world into de­mocracies.

Fenton says true democratic organiza­tions must adhere to specific principles, including transparency within the organiza­tion, constructive dialogue, individualism, and accountability.

“These principles apply to every organi­zation,” said Fenton. “It’s like mathematics. There are just different advanced levels.”

Despite being prepared a full year in advance, the timing of the speech raised additional interest due to recent governance issues at Principia. Regarding the conflict, Fenton said she “wasn’t surprised. As an outsider looking in, I was seeing the signs of command and control leadership that are inherently self-destructive.”

Fenton said she believes “Principia should be a model of a democratic organiza­tion.” The institution first needs a commit­ment to becoming democratic, which is followed by a period of confusion and finally clarity. Everyone “needs to understand that it’s going to be tough and people get upset. It will be hard and there will be growing pains.” Fenton compares becoming truly demo­cratic to climbing a mountain where you eventually get a beautiful view. Democracy “brings out the challenges faster so you can handle them.”

There is a spiritual basis to organizational democracy. Fenton states that man is self-governed and calls Mrs. Eddy “one of the first pioneers of organizational democracy.”

However, Fenton said, “Principia is not the Mother Church, and that’s an impor­tant distinction.” She read from page 237 of Education at Principia that the rules vital to Principia’s growth and well-being are subject to modification. “Our understanding of democracy grows. We need to modify and evolve. This is still a human institution.” Fenton pointed out that becoming a democracy does not have to start at the top, though it does need to have the sup­port of the top.

The basis of organizational democracy is to tap the full potential of the people and “create an environment where everyone can excel. It’s not about power.” Fenton said that people must rise, because “it’s your institu­tion as much as anyone’s.”

In Fenton’s experience, fear is the number one problem in organizations. It “silences people, [and] keeps people obedient,” she noted. “The question needs to be, what we would do if we weren’t afraid?”

During her senior year of college, Fenton was the Public Affairs Conference director when the topic was democracy. The day after PAC, Fenton went on an Indonesia abroad where she “really saw what it was like to live in an undemocratic environment.” Graduating with a degree in Global Studies Entrepreneurship, Fenton received her Mas­ter’s degree in International Development with a focus on Business from American University.

Fenton started WorldBlu in 1997 while a senior at Principia, though at the time it was a nonprofit think-tank dedicated to democ­racy. She launched WorldBlu in its current for-profit form in the fall of 2003.

“Prin should be a model of a world-class institution,” she added. “Therefore, it should employ the most enlightened and effective leadership and management models out there. That’s organizational democracy.”

***************************************************************************************

OUR DUTY TO PRINCIPIA, By Edward T. Wright, US 42, CX 46

To those working directly to solve Prin's "Present Problem," and to all other Principians who are concerned, but have not become a part of the "controversy," I would like to comment on our duty, and the need to speak up. Then, I would like to discuss two positive ways in which we might correct some of the conditions causing the problem: (1)

restructuring our present administrative organization, and (2) making sure the real issues are presented, and supported with sufficient evidence.

I am not, and will not become, an attorney in any of the litigation that is likely to arise in this matter. I was in the courtroom every month for fifty years, but seven years ago walked out of the courtroom for the last time. My only involvement in legal matters at Prin is in consulting with our daughter, Dory Smith, who served as Athletic Director at the Upper School.

If you have important information Principians should know about, you should present that as soon as possible to the Committee chosen to organize such information. If you are afraid of recrimination, find a safeguard that will permit you to present evidence, without being punished. The future of Principia depends upon those who will stand up and be heard.

(1) Restructuring Our Present Administrative Organization

For ten years, I co-moderated an annual think tank for city officials with Dr. Benjamin Baker, head of the Political Science Department at Rutgers, and author of Urban Government. For five years I spent much time writing and lecturing on Future Shock and its impact on the urban crisis. During my thirteen years as mayor of Brentwood, Missouri, we used political restructuring to modernize our city. These experiences taught me that restructuring can help solve many problems.

I understand that the Board considered relieving the C. E. O. of duties relative to the college, and that there was some interest in such a change. I also understand the idea was withdrawn because such might hurt the C. E. O.'s feelings. Perhaps it is time to revisit that proposal, and with a more mature approach. In fact, my suggestion might really hurt someone's feelings.

What would happen if the C. E. O. had no jurisdiction over either campus? What would happen if the Headmaster ran the St. Louis campus, and the President ran the college campus, the way it is usually done in other private schools? Since the trustees are already embarrassed over paying a quarter of a million dollars a year for a man who could become a one-campus C. E. O., they might wonder how Principians would react to paying that much money to a C. E. O. who has no reason or capability to run either campus.

The answer is simple. We don't need a C. E. O. Our big problem arose when the C. E. O., with no experience in such matters, began telling the Headmaster and President how to run their schools. There might be a need for an administrator to give support services to both campuses, and coordinate efforts of activities such as the Alumni Association. It is important, however, that we place the education part of our school in the hands of the educators, who should report directly to the Trustees.

Another re-structuring that is needed is changing the perpetual trustee provision. The wrong people could get control of the millions of dollars set aside for future years, and vote huge salaries we might not even know about for months. You think that couldn't happen? Don't bet the future of Prin on it. There are many plans that would work. What would be wrong with letting all alums who have continued to show a desire to remain in our directory have a vote? I am sure the evidence at mediation will show that our present Board is not infallible. Why is the opinion of twelve alums so much wiser than the opinion of thousands? How much more difficult would it be for an ambitious person to control thousands of votes, than to control twelve votes?

(2) Making Sure The Real Issues Are Presented, And Supported With

Sufficient Evidence

Remember, the mediation process is the Board's method of choice. I suggested that we have a hearing at Prin before getting into the legal process, but neither the Board, nor any member of the Board, even responded to my request. I agree with Professor Bobbie McAdoo, an authority in this field, that mediation is not the proper forum for this dispute. Why, then has the Board refused to meet with Principians and discuss the issues, as I suggested?

The Board has nothing to lose in mediation. If the mediator decides in its favor, the Board feels vindicated. If the mediator decides against the Board, it will have already filled a new board that can carry on forever, and with perhaps less oversight than that which has recently ruffled a few feathers.

When you read the list of questions proposed by the Board, you realize that the trustees have set their ducks in order, and are prepared to defend the C. E. O., at any cost to Principia. I am sure some of the trustees would like to see the C. E. O. resign, so this problem might go away. A few very close to the situation have assured me that such will not happen. They say the C. E. O., for reasons of ego and finances, would shut down the school before he would resign.

I would like to add one more question to the list the Trustees want to have heard:

Which Board members received the "GEORGE IS GONE!" celebration message? Some of the Board members were so involved in the effort to fire George Moffett that they would have naturally received the notice. Let us hope that there were members of the Board who, though they let it happen, did not concur in, nor find joy in, such a mean-spirited ending to the outstanding career of this great man.

From reading the questions, I got the feeling the Board might be preparing to change its defense from "We wanted George to stay," to a "George was a great president in many ways, but he was not a good administrator." If George was not a good administrator, it took someone a heck of a long time to find out.

**************************************************************************************

From: "Kristin Mange" <Kristin.Mange@prin.edu>
Subject: Seattle Principia Club invites you to become a member
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 15:50:06 -0600

Dear Principia Alum,

The Principia Club of Seattle invites you to renew your membership or become a new member of their Principia Club! Be a part of the larger Principia family across the country and around the world.

Your membership dues will help your club send prospective students to visit Principia, and bring Principia faculty and staff members to your area to present their knowledge and expertise to you. Christmas Sings, Picnics, and Video Events also provide a great opportunity to gather with other Principians and friends of Principia.

To join online go to http://www.prin.edu/princlubs/ and follow the link to the online registration form. You may also join over the phone by calling 1-800-218-7746 ext 3152.

We look forward to welcoming you as a member!

Many thanks,
Kristin

Kristin Mange
Alumni & Field Relations
The Principia
1-800-218-7746 x3152
314-514-3152
kristin.mange@principia.edu

Are you a member of your local Principia Club? Join online!
http://www.prin.edu/princlubs/membership/

*************************************************************************************

From: Terri Jackson [mailto:Terri.Jackson@prin.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:52 PM
To: terri.jackson@principia.edu
Cc: Jeff Williams; clay.jackson@principia.edu; Larry Harrison; Liz
Jensen; Kim Browning
Subject: To Principia Club Presidents from the Alumni & Field Relations Office



Dear Principia Club Presidents,

How grateful we are for each of you, for your faithfulness and your
steady and heartfelt love of Principia.

You may be aware, through the grapevine, that there is a bit of
controversy going on at Principia, and you may not be sure what to
make of all this. It is difficult to accurately report on what is
going on without becoming part of the problem we are seeking to
resolve, or adding to the "he said, she said" rumor mill. We are not
inclined to help mortal mind extend a cause.

If there is one thing you do need to know, it is that one infinite God
governs, and is greater than the belief of many minds. Now is the
time for patience and poise, to stand firm on a spiritual foundation
of trust and love for all mankind. The statements from the Principia
Trustees, the governing body of the institution, are the official
statements from Principia and convey all the information you need.

The most important thing you need to know is that there is a great
deal of good going on at Principia, a renewal of Mrs. Morgan's vision
for Principia and real spiritual progress with the goal of providing
blessing points in the lives of students and alums. This current
turmoil is nothing more than an attempt to claim that just the
opposite is real and taking place. What is needed now is patience and
poise, expressed in a grace that blesses all mankind.

Students, faculty, and staff are joyously going about their business
of the daily educational routine, as intellectual progress, spiritual
growth, and limitless activity continue without interruption. So it
should be with Principia Club events. Your club activities mirror the
goodness being expressed daily here at the school and nothing should
stop that outward reflection of Principia love. Around the world
successful club events are taking place and will continue to take
place as they draw Principians together as family in friendship,
camaraderie, and healing.

I am grateful to a fellow collegue who recently shared with some
Principia friends in the field, the inspiration below. It includes the
attached article by Mrs. Morgan (from Education at The Principia)
which should put it all into perspective. The article opens with
these very telling words:

"Human thought is prone to extremes. The student of Christian Science
needs to be ever on guard against this tendency. From the very
inception of this educational work, we have been conscious of this
tendency, and while at times there has been strong pressure brought to
bear upon us to turn too far to the right hand or to the left, we have
been guided safely through the 'shallows of mortal belief' (Science
and Health, p. 262) and have proved the promise, 'And thine ears shall
hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when
ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left' (Isa. 30:21).
Consequently, without making any serious mistakes, we have kept well
within the safety zone and have brought no problems to our beloved
Cause."

<>
We urge you to read the entire article. We have the tools we need to
realize healing, and it will result in a blessing for all of us. And
from Hymn 123,

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

Grace. [Strong's Exhaustive Concordance] -- The divine influence upon
the heart, and its reflection in the life, including gratitude.

I appreciate the above inspiration that my co-worker allowed me to
share with you, and I encourage all of you to pass along this same
inspiration to others.

This note is written and with much gratitude and love to each of you,
Terri

Terri G. Jackson
Director
Principia Alumni & Field Relations
13201 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63131

terri.jackson@principia.edu
800-218-7746 ext. 3105
314-514-3105 office
314-805-4355 mobile
314-514-3196 fax

Friends of Principia #7

February 23, 2007

Dear Friends of Principia #7,

This is a quick plea and a brief update from the last mailing yesterday.

In spite of the obvious disregard, evidenced by the election of new trustees and the appointment of a Dean of the College, by Stuart Jenkins and the Trustees your efforts are having an effect.

I received several e-mails yesterday with wonderful treatments and references to citations and articles…some examples…

(1) I have been carefully reading an Article I found in the bound volumes, Vol. 46 of the Christian Science Journal titled "Practicing the Allness of God" by Marie C. Hartman. It has given me much help in thinking about the situation at Principia. [I read it and it is an

excellent primer on the power of prayer. It’s found on pp 644-648 of the 2^nd volume]

(2) Thanks for the update. I will continue to see that "neither animosity nor mere personal attachment" is governing any thought regarding this issue. The Rule for Motives and Acts is so powerful... reflecting the sweet amenities of Love in rebuking sin and forgiving.

(3) Hymn #’s 258 and 2

(4) Prophet and apostle have glorified God in secret prayer, and He has rewarded them openly. Prayer can neither change God, nor bring His designs into mortal modes; but it can and does change our modes and our false sense of Life, Love, and Truth, uplifting us to Him. Such prayer humiliates, purifies, and quickens activity, in the direction that is unerring. No 39:10-16

(5) Prayer means that we desire to walk and will walk in the light so far as we receive it, even though with bleeding footsteps, and that waiting patiently on the Lord, we will leave our real desires to be rewarded by Him.

The Trustees are tired of the constant e-mail barrage. It appears that it is beginning to break the mesmerism and they are starting to see there is another side to the story they have been getting from the CEO. For example, they were told by Stuart that Judy Felch was very popular with the College Faculty and would be welcomed by them. The truth is that the Faculty and Deans are adamantly resisting her demands for support. She had already discredited herself with the rest of the Faculty. Rather than “bringing an ability to restore consensus at Principia College” as opined by Bill Hays, Chairman of the Board, her appointment and the manner in which it was done has only widened the divide. After almost constant meetings over the past day, the Faculty is deciding this afternoon on what step to take in response.

The most helpful short term action would be to follow up your prayers with a letter to the Trustees, sent in the next 24 hours, stating your resolve to see a comprehensive solution to this crisis. The most appropriate solution:

(1) Starts with recognition by the Trustees that Stuart Jenkins lacks the integrity and moral character to be playing any role at Principia.

(2) Once Stuart Jenkins is gone then it will be appropriate to engage in a community wide discussion about the many structural changes that are necessary to make Principia truly democratic in the full vision of Mary Kimball Morgan.

You can just cut and paste the Trustees names and e-mail addresses as a block into your e-mail “addressed to” line as they appear below.

"Bill Hays" , "Charles 'Tuck' Spaulding, Jr." , "Chris Towle" , "Durant Hunter" , "Helen Ostenberg Elswit" , "Katharine Bullock" , "Maggi Foerster CSB" , "Michael Sharples" , "Willard Hanzlik" willard@principia.edu

This crisis can and will result in a rebirth for Principia.

Hymn 2

A glorious day is dawning,

And o'er the waking earth

The heralds of the morning

Are springing into birth.

In dark and hidden places

There shines the blessed light;

The beam of Truth displaces

The darkness of the night.

The advocates of error

Foresee the glorious morn,

And hear in shrinking terror,

The watchword of reform:

It rings from hill and valley,

It breaks oppression's chain.

A thousand freemen rally,

And swell the mighty strain.

The watchword has been spoken,

The light has broken forth,

Far shines the blessed token

Upon the startled earth.

To hearts and homes benighted

The blessed Truth is given,

And peace and love, united,

Point upward unto heaven.

With gratitude,

Paul D. Schmidt JD GRI

Principia College ‘71

Friends of Principia #6

Dear Friends of Principia #6,

I apologize for not getting back to you as promised. Some of the information I was expecting did not become available as quickly as possible. And events were transpiring so rapidly that I kept thinking "just wait until you can report this, and this, and this…"

Some of the news is encouraging [the faculty and staff at both campuses are very united in its concern about the leadership of both CEO Stuart Jenkins and the Trustees]. Most of the news is very alarming [Stuart Jenkins and the Trustees are moving ahead dismantling the historic administrative structure at Principia "Damn the torpedoes" (blatantly ignoring the pleas of the college faculty, deans, students and hundreds of alumni to (1) pause and not appoint new trustees and to (2) reconsider the forced departure of the Moffetts].

As prescribed by the Trustees, 6 representatives were elected from each campus to be part of the dispute resolution process.

From St. Louis:

Faculty- Nancy Heimerl and Lynne Evans

Business Office- Doug Gibbs and Paula Manker

Staff- Craig Fredrickson and Alice Stanley

From the college:

Faculty- Linda Bohaker and Greg Sandford

Staff- Chestnut Booth and Patty Langton

Students- Forrest Bless (Chrissie Sydness is also a representative but was unavailable on Saturday.)

From the trustees:

Helen Elswit and Bill Hays

The initial 3 hour meeting took place Saturday at the Guest House on the college campus. The participants discussed the requirements for a fact finding process, the desired qualifications for a fact finder, the process of identifying eligible persons and securing the services of whomever is elected. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to each participant sharing his/her issues that need to be addressed. A list of issues or questions to be resolved was compiled. [Attached as "preliminary list…"] A report by the reps from the St. Louis campus gives a more complete account. [Attached as "report from Prin mtg…]

As mentioned in Friends of Principia #5/for the love of Prin #5, the College Faculty has hired an attorney to advise them: Charles C McCarter of McCarter & Greenley, LLC, St. Louis, MO. Since the CEO and Trustees are "well represented" by lawyers Prin pays for, the Faculty was very wise to also retain counsel. Mr. McCarter is an alumnus US '44, C'50, the father of Prin grads and has practiced for over 50 years. He has experience successfully representing Prin employees. To facilitate our assisting in paying his fees the College Faculty has set up an account, called the "Advocacy Fund". Donations are not tax deductible at this time. Qualifying for tax exempt status takes some time. However, this is a very tangible way to help those "waging" the fight to preserve Principia. I'm going to channel my customary Prin donations to this worthy cause.

The Advocacy Fund

Dr. John Near, Treasurer

PO Box 153

Grafton, IL 62037

It's a sad day when one cannot use the Principia mail system.

Now I will share the really alarming news. While the Saturday meeting with the campus reps was taking place, in a seeming spirit of cooperation, the CEO and Trustees were simultaneously taking actions which were a slap in the face to the College Faculty, students, the College Deans, concerned alumni and most of all the Moffetts.

Wednesday morning, in an interoffice e-mail, all were informed that on Friday and Saturday new trustees were elected AND a new position of interim Dean of the College was created. Judy Felch, member of the art department faculty, was appointed to "manage the educational and administrative affairs of Principia College". She will report to Dr Moffett until he "retires" in June and then to the CEO during the balance of the "transition period".

I call this "a coup de Principia"! The response by the CEO and Trustees to sincere pleas by the College Faculty, Deans, students and alumni to ask the Moffetts to stay is to emasculate Dr Moffett's position until he is forced to leave. Have they no decency? [Attached interoffice correspondence 2.21.07]

Unfortunately, this un-Christian action mirrors what has already occurred at the St. Louis campus. Employees are manipulated and played off against each other. It's no wonder so many Prin employees are so afraid to speak openly about their abhorrence for what is happening at Prin.

How poorly the CEO and Trustees have judged us…who put Principle above person. They are wearying of the barrage of e-mails and letters that bring daily messages of condemnation for their actions and promises that "right will prevail". Each move to further solidify Stuart's personal iron grip on everyone and everything at Principia is met with loud and forceful resistance. The sleeping lion has been awakened. Hopefully this is the "darkest hour before the dawn".

Please keep up the good and necessary work! Here are some ways.

(1) Prayerfully treat our beloved Principia each day.

(2) Alert more alumni and friends of Principia to this crisis and the need to continue to speak out by letter or e-mail to the Trustees.

(3) Continue communicating your concerns to the Trustees.

(4) Help the College Faculty with their legal expenses.

(5) Organize your Prin clubs and tell the Alumni Office that you are postponing all scheduled Prin Club activities until the on campus grievances are resolved to the satisfaction of the faculty and staff.

This is no time for business as usual.

(6) Write a letter to the Editor of the Pilot. [Next published 1/1/2007]

(7) Look for upcoming innovative ways to speak out.

With gratitude,

Paul D. Schmidt JD GRI

College C'71

paulschmidt@principia.edu

PS Attached are also several Letters to the Editor from the 2/16/07 edition,
attachments #5-9

PPS Don't forget to check www.truthatPrincipia.org daily for new information

PPPS Call Principia College at 1-800-277-4648, ask for The Pilot office and subscribe to the campus newspaper to keep up to date on what's happening on campus. It's published 12 times each school year.

******************************************************************************************

Date: February 19, 2007

To: All Faculty and Staff
Fm: The Board of Trustees
Re: Principia Board of Trustees Report, February 15-17, 2007

Dear Friends,

We are glad to share a brief report with you on the meetings we held this past weekend. On Thursday, we met one-on-one with unit heads on the St. Louis campus, and on Friday we met individually with members of the College executive committee in Elsah. This gave us a quick update on activities on both campuses. During our private sessions, we discussed current matters and conducted an election to fill vacancies on the Board.

The results of the election of new Trustees will be announced after the process is complete, which includes acceptance by those appointed. The new Trustees will take office at our April meeting.

On Thursday the Board received a report from the Salary Reform Study Committee on revised compensation benchmarks for both campuses, and asked for an expedited review of the recommendations by an independent compensation consultant. Our goal is to give final approval of the report at the April Trustees’ meeting. Steps can then be taken to implement adjustments in compensation levels on both campuses to reflect the new benchmarks.

On Saturday afternoon, two representatives of the Board joined 11 representatives (six from the St. Louis campus and five from the College – one College representative was unable to attend) for the first meeting of the recently announced fact-finding and resolution process. The representatives were chosen by their respective constituents through their own election procedures. During their three-hour meeting, the participants discussed the process for finding an independent party to assist in resolving current issues facing Principia and prepared a preliminary list of issues for fact finding and resolution. The representatives were grateful for the open discussion and love for Principia expressed at the meeting.

The Trustees also established a website at http://www.prin.edu/trustees/ on which will be posted documents and communications relating to the Board and its activities.

We are deeply thankful for the spirit of cooperation and unselfish service shown by all who met with us, and we look forward to sharing additional reports with you as further steps unfold.

With warm regards,

Board of Trustees
Katharine Bullock Helen Elswit Margaret Foerster
Willard Hanzlik William Hays Durant Hunter
Stuart Jenkins Michael Sharples Charles Spaulding, III
Christopher Towle

**************************************************************************************

Dear Friends,

We would like to report to you briefly on the meeting held on Saturday with representatives of the trustees. Here is the list of people participating:

From St. Louis:

Faculty- Nancy Heimerl and Lynne Evans

Business Office- Doug Gibbs and Paula Manker

Staff- Craig Fredrickson and Alice Stanley

From the college-

Faculty- Linda Bohaker and Greg Sandford

Staff- Chestnut Booth and Patty Langton

Students- Forrest Bless (Chrissie Sydness is also a representative but was unavailable on Saturday.)

From the trustees-

Helen Elswit and Bill Hays

Helen began the meeting with readings. Then Bill Hays explained that there were two items on the agenda. First, to select a mediator, or determine how we would select a mediator. Second, we were to compose a list of issues on the table so we would know how to best proceed. We were not expected to answer questions, or sort and debate issues—just compose a list.

Bill passed out resumes for two mediators in the St. Louis area. He explained that the trustees had solicited information on respected people in that field, had checked references for several of them, and that these two men had not had any negative reports. Bill suggested that we consider these men, or come up with a different way to determine whom we should hire.

A discussion followed that resulted in the following points:

• We are looking for a person who can be a facilitator/fact finder rather than a mediator. The process is conducted from a different point of view—that of working together to solve problems rather than having two sides in a confrontational format.
• We should be looking nationwide rather than limiting ourselves to the St. Louis area.
• We should be looking for a Christian Scientist, although there was some concern expressed that we could find a Christian Scientist who is independent of the issues at hand.
• It would be helpful to find someone who has experience with educational institutions.
• We are open to the possibility of a panel of people, rather than one individual.
• The idea was presented that perhaps we could do this ourselves, rather than turning over fact finding to others.

The next order of business was compiling a list of issues and/or questions to be resolved. The trustees emphasized that everything was open, and that there did not need to be a limit on issues. They said that there would be no attempt to censor any issues or concerns. They also said that this does not need to be the final list. Other items can be added as they come up or as new information comes to light.

We generated a list of between 90 and 100 items. This was done by going around the room with each person reading the concerns that had been suggested to them by their constituents. There were several themes that were re-occurring. Three different people kept a list, with others taking copious notes as well. We have not yet compared the lists, but as soon as we have a composite list we will send it out to all of you.

Toward the end of the meeting, one of the college representatives asked the trustees if they still intended to appoint five new trustees that weekend. They answered that they did. The college representative commented that that seemed like a bad faith move, since it suggested that the governance issue for the trustees was not really on the table, so to speak. There was no further explanation on the part of the trustees.

The next step is for all of us to seek out the names of people who might serve as the facilitator/ fact finder who will best serve this process. We do not have another meeting set up at this time.

The six of us who represent the St. Louis campus will be working as a team. We work well together, and any issue that comes to any one of us will be addressed. We appreciate the support of each one of you. We are humbly grateful for the opportunity to represent you. We are not viewing this as a small group who will be the gatekeepers to knowledge. Rather, whatever we know we will pass along to you in as timely a fashion as possible.

“There is but one side to good, — it has no evil side; there is but one side to reality, and that is the good side.

God is All, and in all: that finishes the question of a good and a bad side to existence.”

Christian Healing by Mary Baker Eddy 10:10-14

Sincerely,

The St. Louis Six

Nancy, Lynne, Doug, Paula, Craig, and Alice

*****************************************************************************************

“O loving Father, well we know

That words alone are vain,

That those who seek Thy will to do,

The true communion gain.

Then may our deeds our pure desire

For growth in grace express,

That we may know how Love divine

Forever waits to bless.”

Christian Science Hymnal Hymn 269:3

February 17, 2007

Preliminary list of issues

Please note: This is the list that was generated at the meeting last Saturday. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Those at the meeting acknowledged that with the short notice for the meeting, people did not have time to contact representatives with issues. If you have something that concerns you, please contact your representative(s) with your views.

List of Issues from all constituents:

1. Did the Trustees actually give Michael Sharples $40,000 when he retired from being CEO? In light of the financial constraints for Principia at the time, why would this be done?

2. Inappropriate terminations – appropriate hiring/firing processes;

i. Does Principia request non-disclosure when someone leave

ii. Why?

3. Is Principia focusing more on boys vs. girls in leadership, opportunities and education on the St L campus?

4. Is there cronyism at Principia and why? (Perception that a new boys club makes decisions without including others or following procedures required of others.) Are they running the school?

5. Benchmarking for everyone

i. US feels the faculty are being left out of Benchmarking (process is unclear)

ii. Why is this opaque rather than a transparent process?

iii. No representation of classroom teachers on benchmarking committee

iv. How are these benchmarks arrived at?

6. CEO’s salary issue

i. Why were the Trustees not sensitive to know a substantial change in the CEO’s salary would upset the employees?

ii. How was the CEO’s salary increase arrived at?

iii. The Benchmark is not transparent

iv. What is the measurement? To what schools/institutions/organizations was it compared?

v. How did and how should the community have learned of the increase?

7. Inappropriate listening/caring of CEO towards employee questions and concerns

8. Concerns about this process

i. Independent representation of each group

ii. Cannot agree to anything at this time

iii. Meetings should not be confidential

iv. The process should not move too fast to be done well, though it should move with deliberate speed

9. Governance

i. Bad start if Trustees appoint 5 new members before issues are addressed

ii. How are Trustees appointed?

iii. Proper representation of constituents and other perspectives

iv. Term limits: criteria for term limits and are the criteria being applied differentially

v. Should there be some kind of democratic representation

vi. Define stakeholders in ultimate system of government and who need to participate in this process

vii. What are best practices for the structure and governance of higher education academic institutions and how do we implement them at Principia?

viii. Tenure

10. Trustees clarification of no retribution for this process

i. No termination of any participating in this process for 2 years

ii. No budget cuts that might be seen as directed against anyone participating in this process

11. Concern about the CEO’s integrity and implications for character education

12. Concern about the CEO’s management style and skills

13. Valuing people (cultural issue)

i. Compensation philosophy

ii. More transparent structure for determining pay increases and salaries

iii. An evaluation process that leads to improvement and development

iv. Training

v. Listen to each other, share ideas, foster open discourse

vi. An environment of trust that values and has confidence in its faculty

14. What are the goals and responsibilities for the institution?

15. Reporting responsibilities

i. Who owns the curriculum? Who makes curricular decisions?

ii. Is change in college President’s reporting structure temporary or permanent?

iii. Roles, responsibilities, checks and balances, reporting relationships, selection processes, and operating procedures from the Trustees level to all employees

iv. From the trustees down to the faculty, who is responsible for what?

v. What is the place of all employees?

vi. Structural relation between college and corporation, school and corporation; proper structure for Prin as a college.

vii. What is the relationship between the trustees and the school?

viii. Be more transparent about roles and selection

16. What are best practices for Prin that are consistent with higher ed? Tenure would be an example of that.

17. Have we become a business that also has a school attached rather than a school that happens to have a business?

18. Faculty is not properly supported by Head of School who is not an academic

19. Who is Marilyn Walllace and why do we see her so seldom?

20. Is Principia now a school for character education rather than a school for CS?

21. Why was the website changed to emphasize character education and take off “A school for Christian Scientists”?

22. Are the Admissions standards changing?

23. Branding and image creation seems to be removing Mrs. Morgan’s chosen name and symbol (sheaf of wheat)

i. Principia School vs The Principia on website, but stationery hasn’t changed

24. Benchmarking doesn’t seem to include the Upper School faculty

i. Why is it secret?

ii. There’s no clear sense of how salaries are assigned

iii. Is there no representation of classroom teachers on the benchmark committee?

25. Out of balance emphasis on athletics

i. Affecting student grades

ii. Academics taking a back seat

iii. Amount of time given on St L campus to academic day is decreasing while more is required for athletics

iv. College building an athletic center when programs are being cut

26. Those making decisions about curriculum and academic day are never in the classroom observing the classes

i. Head of School not an educator and is not learning about the education and what should happen in a school

ii. Concern about people who call themselves educators but are not teachers

27. How can CEO position be discussed and assessed while he is a member of the board? Perceived as a conflict of interest

28. Condescending view of classroom teachers by administrators- comparing them to factory workers

29. Culture of fear and lack of trust due to not being fully informed

i. Is information filtered?

ii. How do trustees get information?

iii. St Louis Faculty would like more direct contact with the Trustees

30. Students would like to really know why current college President resigned.

i. Current college President asked his situation be excluded from the process

ii. Does this group want to honor his request?

iii. Some information surrounding this might be vital to the process.

31. Composition of the Board of Trustees and Governance

i. Other stakeholders represented, including students

ii. Publish charter of board and what their job is and how it functions

iii. What are the Trustee perks?

iv. What are the term limits?

v. When the trustees are here, what are they doing?

vi. Would like a level a transparency

32. Are there enough checks and balances- within the board and with other constituencies?

i. Related to Board and executive officers

ii. How is the board kept in check with other constituencies?

iii. Is there a better model for more power distribution instead of a hierarchical model?

33. More shared power and vision between the Trustees and all constituencies than currently exists

34. Are we a corporate entity or an educational institution?

35. What is the difference between K-12 and college? Are we considering them separately? Should there be a clear distinction? Should they be managed differently?

36. Gary Krisel said CEO envisioned having every Trustee’s resignation letter in a drawer and he could pull them out when he needed it. Is this true?

37. Does CEO report to the Trustees, or do the Trustees report to CEO?

38. Why was Gary Krisel’s resignation announced months late instead of when it was tendered?

39. Cleaning up integrity issues surrounding CEO should take precedence in the proceedings and is very important to students

i. There are issues around the current CEO and issues around governance.

ii. The current CEO issues are more pressing, but the governance issues are long term

iii. The fact that the CEO is in such a high leadership position is critical for students

40. The Mother Church policy about appropriateness of practitioners and CSB’s serving on boards.

i. Did this affect Jack Hubbel’s resignation?

ii. Did the CEO talk to TMC about this before the policy?

iii. Should Maggie Forester still be on?

iv. What is the TMC’s actual policy?

41. Are people lined up for positions before the normal hiring process is followed?

i. Positions are outlined before resignations are tendered.

ii. Is this getting the “right people on the bus” without the right process? Sense is that people are pushed out with a plan already in place of knowing who will fill that slot.

iii. Is this ethical? Are these best practices?

42. Rebuild Trust

i. With Trustees and Employees

43. Eliminate a culture of fear

i. Lack of trust

ii. Not fully informed

44. Trim to Grow –what are the actual facts?

i. Strong financial constraints

ii. Frozen departmental budgets

iii. Pressure to cut FTEs

iv. Cuts on services

45. What did Elaine Follis’ letter reference and does it require fact finding?

i. Attributed problems to President rather than CEO

46. What were the exact motions in the Faculty Senate when they took a no confidence vote?

47. What is the chronology of benchmarking the raise for the CEO?

48. Re-establish trust between Trustees and employees

49. The hiring and firing process raises many questions.

50. Do Trustees only know what CEO tells them?

51. Need better sense of unity between St Louis and Elsah (college)

i. One institution

52. Why have requirements for athletics increased in St Louis?

i. Students must participate at a higher level of interscholastic involvement and can only be excused with the consent of the AD

53. George’s leaving- why and do we recognize the value he brought to the college?

54. Not much value placed on training in education, but sense that anyone can be an educator

55. Line between governance and management at all levels

i. Big Picture vs. managers—is there micromanaging?

ii. Do more employees need the big picture?

iii. Need for procedures based on principles rather than personal authority

56. Disconnect in communication at various levels

i. Professional concerns need to be considered, rather than dismissed as personal complaints

ii. What is the responsibility of people making the decisions and people carrying out the details?

57. Clearer process for grievances

58. Clear decision making model

i. Not based on Fear, Money, Person, or Position

59. Why are there so many new initiatives being created coming down from above without enough time and resources allocated, and without finishing old initiatives, and no communication of vision or recognition of operational duties? Any connection to master plan?

60. Should Principia be benchmarking ourselves against other schools or should we be setting a bar that is higher?

61. Concern about character assassination? Has the process been fair?

62. Decisions are often made in a hurry. Processes are set aside for the sake of getting started.

63. Concern about a number of consultants paid lots of money to get results that employees have known for years, yet employee input was not considered

64. Lack of professional development for some positions- not encouraged

65. Lack of clear path for advancement and feedback in positions

66. No structured review process in being followed

67. Need better coordination with the business office to coordinate budget issues and program decisions

i. If people carrying out the budgets knew more about the budget they could better plan and coordinate programs

Issues presented by Trustees:

1. What actions can be taken to restore mutual trust and communication among constituencies?

2. Does Principia have an ends-justify-the-means culture, and, if so, how can it be changed?

3. Is there a culture of fear at Principia? If so, how do we eliminate it?

4. How do we create at Principia a culture of discourse?

5. Do the Trustees put their self-interests above Principia’s interests?

6. Are the Trustees micromanaging the College?

7. Was borrowing money for the College athletic facility irresponsible?

8. Did the CEO push the Board to borrow the money?

9. Does Principia place too much of an emphasis on athletics?

10. Are there gender issues involved in any of the CEO’s hiring or firing of personnel?

11. Has the CEO fired qualified people and hired unqualified people?

12. Does the CEO follow a proper procedure in hiring people?

13. Has the CEO been evaluated by the Board?

14. Is that evaluation public?

15. How does the board get the information they need to evaluate to CEO?

16. Is Principia admitting non-Christian Scientists, especially in athletics, or did the CEO direct or attempt to influence anyone to do so?

17. What do the Trustees think the significance of the AQIP report is?

18. Did the CEO suggest to the Trustees that the College was in danger of losing its accreditation?

19. What actions of the CEO did the Trustees not support?

20. Did the Trustees support the CEO’s raise?

21. Did the CEO ask any Trustee for a raise?

22. Did the CEO threaten to quit if he did not get a raise?

23. Did Trustees encourage the CEO to take the raise?

24. Did the Trustees have any benchmarking data for the CEO’s raise?

25. Did the CEO say that he was the last person benchmarked and that everyone else had been benchmarked?

26. Did the Trustees engage in a conspiracy of silence regarding the CEO’s raise and cause tax forms to be filed late?

27. Did any Trustee attempt to make a thorough overhaul of the compensation system at Principia, and were they prevented by the Board or the CEO from doing so?

28. What’s the status of trim to grow and how did it impact the CEO’s raise?

29. For what positions at the College did the CEO consider the Head of School?

30. Did the CEO offer the College President’s position to anyone?

31. Did any community members act improperly under community standards or otherwise in violating anyone’s privacy or confidentiality?

32. Did Trustees resign in protest or refuse to be re-elected over the CEO’s or the Board’s actions?

33. Did the CEO engage in a three-year campaign to fire the College President?

34. Have College budgets and FTEs been reduced over the last three years?

35. Is the Board a closed club, an old-boys club, or selected from the CEO’s inner circle, and do they all know each other before being elected and vote the same way?

36. Do they talk outside of meetings?

37. Are the Trustees out of touch and why?

38. Does the CEO manage and manipulate the Board?

39. Was and is the CEO qualified to be CEO and Chairman?

40. How can all constituencies better view Principia as one institution?

41. Is the emphasis on whole man character education accepted on both campuses?

42. Did the CEO accept the job as Chairman/CEO to make more money than he was making, to live in a bigger house, or because his business was failing and he needed a job?

43. Did the CEO ask other Trustees to elect him Chairman?

44. Did the CEO ask for a new car because he missed his BMW and did not want to drive his predecessor’s old car?

45. Did the Board give the CEO any directions on the matter of Trustee rotation?

46. What are the events surrounding the former Chairman and CEO’s $40,000 retirement gift?

47. Does the CEO have a financial advisor on the Board or any inappropriate financial relationship?

48. Was the CEO’s investment relationship with other Trustees disclosed under the Board’s conflict-of-interest policy?

49. Did the CEO advise the Board prior to the College President’s resignation that the faculty was going to vote on a no-confidence measure regarding the College President?

50. Does the CEO use confidentiality as an excuse to hide improper dealings or unethical decisions?

51. Does the CEO hold himself to the same standard of confidentiality that he asks of others?

******************************************************************************************

Interoffice Correspondence

Date: Febuary 21, 2007

To: All Faculty and Staff
Fm: The Board of Trustees
Re: Interim Dean of the College

Judith Felch has accepted the Trustees’ request to postpone her previously announced retirement in June, 2007, in order to assume the position of Interim Dean of the College effective at the beginning of Spring Quarter. She has agreed to serve in this newly created position until the next president of Principia College takes office and no longer needs her assistance with the transition. The Trustees asked Judith to serve as Interim Dean at their February Board Meeting.

The Interim Dean of the College will be responsible for managing the educational and administrative affairs of Principia College and will report to the College President until Dr. Moffett’s retirement at the end of June. After that, the position will report to the CEO of Principia during the balance of the transition period.

In accepting this appointment, Judith said, “I am looking forward to working closely with my faculty and staff colleagues in a collaborative manner to assure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interest of our students and Principia. We all have a timely opportunity to rebuild trust and to move Principia College forward in a very constructive way.”

Bill Hays, Chairman of the Board, said, “Judith brings to this interim position an extraordinarily broad and deep background at Principia College. Her experience in developing and managing the highly successful First Year Experience program, as a unit head and department chair, and as a ranking member of the faculty having served for 39 years, gives her a unique perspective and ability to restore consensus at Principia College.”

Judith Felch is a 1967 graduate of Principia College. Subsequently, she earned B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. Her husband, Glenn, a 1968 graduate of Principia College and faculty member in the Art Department, has announced his retirement from the College effective at the end of this academic year, having served Principia since 1973.

*******************************************************************************************

Alumnus calls alumni to action against poor leadership of and questionable actions taken by CEO and trustees

Dear Editor,

I graduated from Prin College in 1971. I served on the NEC [National Executive Committee] from 2000-2003. I have been on the board of the Portland, Oregon Prin Club since 1996. Partially as a result of those experiences I know the Moffetts, Clarks and Sharples very well. I have had several opportunities to meet and observe Stuart Jenkins. I have ties to or an acquaintance with many of the other individuals who are prominent in the current crisis.

My wife Brooke Howell Schmidt and I graduated from Prin College in 1971. When our children Ashley and Blake were at Prin College [C’2000 and C’2003] they were the 18th and 19th members of our family to attend Prin. It is why I care so deeply for Prin and am so concerned about the current situation which I believe is an unprecedented catastrophe.

Three weeks ago, when the Pilot article about Stuart Jenkins’ huge pay raise was published I became proactive and wrote an e-mail to 150 alumni I knew, alerting them to the challenges at hand. I asked for their prayers and activism. I had been aware of disturbing changes on both campuses for several years. The announcement last fall that the Moffetts were leaving was the proverbial “final nail in the coffin” that I had long feared. I have received phone calls and e-mails from more than 75 alumni, many of whom were not part of my original mailing list, who are concerned and have become proactive now that they better understand the challenges those on the campuses face each day.

Several individuals shared with me how they had been mistreated or were fired by Stuart or his minions. The malfeasance includes wrongful firing of employees, favoritism in hiring and promotions, cronyism in appointments, emphasis on athletics rather than the whole man, threatening dissident faculty, staff and trustees, and lying about credentials, conversations and events. At a school founded on character education this is an indefensible situation. The pattern of un-Christian, immoral and even illegal actions is clear. Many of the adults are not setting the best examples for the students. I believe much of this uncharacteristic misbehavior is caused by the individual’s fear for his livelihood and reputation. Being a team player [supporting Stuart] has become the accepted measuring tool.

Unfortunately, there appears to be no balance in leadership at Prin. The Trustees’ obvious priority is protecting Stuart at all costs, rather than the best interest of Principia as a whole. His complete removal from any association with Principia is paramount.

I applaud the college faculty who continue to speak out. It upsets me that the Trustees are attempting to marginalize and discredit their recommendations. I find these recommendations well founded. Their implementation would go a long way to resolve this crisis.

The seriousness of the problem is underlined when the CEO and the Trustees continue to speak and act unrepentantly even with the spotlight focused on their every word and move. While there are proclamations of change and some remorse the threatening, cajoling, isolating, misrepresenting, and lying only seems to be intensifying.

Real change will only occur only when everyone understands the facts about how Stuart and the Trustees have abused their power. It therefore becomes incumbent on individuals who are currently at Principia, as well as those who are no longer there, who have witnessed egregious behavior, to speak out. I know that facts exist that will force Stuart and many of the Trustees to leave so that strong, moral leadership can replace them. However, until those voices of truth are heard, the uninformed will still believe the cover up, misinformation, and lies.

How can you help? We need to hear from faculty, staff, parents, alumni and students. There are several available forums: letters [e-mails] sent directly to Stuart and the Trustees, letters [e-mails] published at TruthatPrincipia.org, letters [e-mails] to The Pilot and interviews with The Pilot. Each time a person speaks on the record it emboldens others and at the same time makes dissenters more secure. There is safety in numbers, especially on such a public stage.

With gratitude,

Paul Schmidt JD GRI

****************************************************************************************

Elizabeth Pond praises Pilot, supports Dr. Moffett

Thank you very much for your conscientious coverage of the issue of Principia’s governance. Among other things, Pilot articles perform a real service in keeping those of us in the larger Prin community off campus informed about what is going on.

Just before the faculty-trustees meeting in early February, I emailed a letter about what I see as the central issue to the faculty senate and to the trustees. Through the pages of the Pilot, I would also like to write essentially the same letter to college students as important actors and thinkers in the sorting out that is now in process:

As indications mount that President George Moffett did not resign of his own volition but was fired by the administration (if by roundabout means), I cannot remain silent. I speak as a lifelong Christian Scientist; a member of The Mother Church for 57 years; a Principia graduate; a visiting professor twice (including 2007) at the college; and someone who owes my life twice over to the action of prayer and the operation of divine Principle - once when I was captured in Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge and Viet Cong and threatened with being shot, and once when a medical diagnosis of a degenerative disease 35 years ago gave me only a few months left to live.

It seems to me that the main issue in the present controversy is the continuing vitality of Christian Science in today’s world. George has brought to Principia not only an impressive speakers series of American presidents and world Nobel Prize laureates, support for every student activity from the solar car to basketball, and a genuine interest in every member of the Prin community; he and Martha have also brought a restoration of the feeling, as John Williams expressed it last November, that it’s “cool” to espouse Christian Science. It is clear that both the Moffetts apply the deep insights of Christian Science unabashedly to enhancing academic excellence at the college and to countermanding the global ills of war, poverty, and the like that cry out for redress. And they welcome the fellowship of faculty, staff, and students who do the same.

This is an approach that is just the opposite of an ivory tower. It invites Christian Scientists to apply the wonderful truths that we all cherish to the healing of our world as well as to the healing of our bodies. I would hate to see this awe for the transforming power of the Christ diminished by the premature departure from the college of those who have done so much to foster it.

Finally, I would add that the Moffetts have helped greatly to strengthen respect for openness, honesty, accountability, and moral courage at the college. This is just the opposite of a culture of secrecy that lends itself so easily to backroom maneuvering, the fait accompli, and even character assassination. It saddens me to hear that in the changed situation today there seems to be considerable fear on campus of the consequences of speaking truth to power. And this - what should I call it? moral contagion? - points yet again to the wisdom of Mrs. Morgan in insisting on the education of the “whole man” at Principia.

I very much hope now that the Principia community will again embrace the more universal sense of healing that is our trust and was surely a key component of Mrs. Morgan’s vision in founding Principia.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Pond

College Faculty, Spring 2007

***************************************************************************************

Questioning whether Pilot is stirring animosity

Dear Editor:

As events unfolded at Principia over the past several weeks, I was moved to seek, if not answers, explanations, for what I’ve been hearing. One would assume that turning to an Internet weblog called “Truth At Principia” might be of assistance. But alas, what I find in these entries seem primarily hearsay and innuendo, most all of which appear aimed at something close to character assassination. So what of Truth?

I am no expert on the inner workings of Principia College. But I am a Fulbright Fellow, a published author, with over two million words in print, a lecturer (Stanford University and Washburn College), and a sometimes contributor to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. I know something about the power of words; and more than a little about proper journalism.

It should be noted that I am not affiliated with, or employed by, nor am I in the service of Principia School or Principia College. I make this point because I believe it imperative to “consider the source” in seeking the truth. Within institutions, people often take sides; it was my hope in turning to Truth At Principia as a source, that, because of Principia’s firm rooting in Christian Science, and the blog’s assumption of Principia in its name, that that would not be the case and I would find a balanced presentation of the facts therein. I am chagrined with most of what I find there: little balance, and questionable substance. Without fact, how can we hope for Truth?

I came to Christian Science late in life, in my forties, because I was attracted by so many practicing Christian Scientists I met. Many of you reading this are more well versed than I in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, but even if I didn’t read the Church Manual regularly, which I do, I hear from the desk the first Sunday of every month page 40, A Rule For Motives and Acts: “Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of the Mother Church.”

Can the readers of the Pilot articles listed on the Truth at Principia weblog, honestly say that these articles feel free of animosity or personal attachment? To me, they read quite the contrary. Even the order of their listing seems orchestrated to heighten a reader’s sense of animosity. Shouldn’t we turn first to Science and Health and our own Church Manual? Are we not Christian Scientists first, and faculty members, parents, trustees and students, second? Should fear and anger govern us, or the Christ?

In this past week’s (Christian Science) lesson I read: “Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good.”

and

“In Science, man reflects God’s government.”

The power of words.

I read, on the blog, several articles previously published in the Pilot, the college’s school paper, that I understand is under the guidance of a faculty member who acts as adviser. One such article was a school interview with a former trustee. Several times this article referred to this former trustee’s belief that the out-going college president was “run out” of his position. Readers, take note: this is not a fact, but an expressed belief. In legal circles, this is referred to as hearsay. And yet as the article is written, there is no attempt on the part of the writer, editor, or publisher, to make it clear this is just one man’s belief – a man who may be soured by his own experience, indicative through his own voluntary departure from the Board of Trustees. Indeed, the article is headlined: Former Trustee says president was “forced out” by CEO. In point of fact—and representing fact, after all, is the responsibility of good journalism—the former trustee said only it was his belief such a thing happened, not that it did. And he was on the board. If it had happened, don’t you think he would have said: “This is what happened?” It is my belief the Pilot, and the weblog, Truth At Principia, are making the reader read between the lines to find the Truth at Principia, instead of presenting clear, well-balanced journalism. That is a disservice to us all, especially the students whose work is not being properly published.

In another article, titled “Students’ mixed reactions to CEO’s remarks,” much is made of a petition sent to the Board of Trustees. Buried away from the lead (of the article) is the hard fact that it was signed by only forty members of the student body – as I understand it, less than 1/10^th of the current student body. One has to ask – and the article did not – whether a petition garnering less than 10% of the enrolled student body should be given any credibility or any ink.

Again, I am not speaking to the issues. Members of the institution will have to sort them out—however that process takes shape. But I am writing to ask readers of Truth At Principia and the Pilot to consider their sources. It is my understanding that letters and/or e-mails may have been introduced in written form and/or read publicly in support of certain arguments. I would urge you, reader, whether faculty, student, or alumni, to remember that any reading of another person’s mail (printed or electronic) without written permission of the letter’s creator is a violation of federal law. Is this the proper foundation on which to form or present opinion? On the back of broken law? Again, I strongly suggest a reading of the Church Manual.

I return to the power of words. I offer two for your consideration:

Trustee – this is a person, or persons in whom an institution puts its trust. That trust is to be maintained not only in good times, but in challenging times as well.

Institution – the word “institute” means to start or initiate something. As a community, let’s start back at the beginning – with the Church Manual and Science and Health. As an institution, Principia is chartered to help to start or initiate new, more expansive lives for its students.

I hope we are serving students well in the manner and means through which information is currently being disseminated.

Let us not carelessly throw around our words; especially this one: “Truth.” It is too valuable to us all. Now, and in the future, let Principle guide us to look and listen for Truth, and let us remain mindful in our evaluation of those purporting to represent it.

Ridley Pearson

****************************************************************************************

A Pilot response to Ridley Pearson’s letter

The writer appears to refer to one article published in the Pilot regarding the current crisis on campus. There have been five articles published so far. The piece in the January 19 edition that alerted the community to the fact that two trustees had resigned over the CEO’s 47% pay increase was the finest piece of journalism I have ever seen at the college level. It is sourced to two ex-trustees speaking about matters in which they were direct participants. The article was balanced. The current CEO, and a former CEO and member of the board, were interviewed in person and over the phone, respectively. Perhaps the best testament to the accuracy of the initial article, and those that followed, is that from the day the first article was printed to today (February 14, nearly four weeks later), neither the CEO, any member of his staff, nor any member of the Board of Trustees have contacted either the author of the article or myself to complain about a single word in the article -- or any other articles that have subsequently run. Wouldn’t someone who felt they were the victim of inaccuracies come forward to issue a complaint, call for a retraction, or at least write a letter to the editor, especially when it is a small college newspaper where the reporter and adviser are readily available?

The writer asks the Pilot to consider its sources. There has been a tendency to label information sourced to Dr. Tracy Bliss and Gary Krisel as “hearsay.” Again, these are not anonymous or uniformed sources. For a journalist, they are impeccable sources -- ex-trustees directly involved in the matters about which they are speaking out. Neither has any reason to come forward other than a love of Principia and concern about the current direction. Dr. Bliss has three degrees from Stanford and a sterling reputation in academia. Gary Krisel rose to the highest ranks of one of the largest corporations in America. Why is what they report considered “hearsay” while what the CEO reports assumed to be “fact.”

Furthermore on the issue of sourcing and “well-balanced journalism:” The Pilot has in its possession copies of correspondence Dr. Bliss sent to the Board over the last 8 months on the salary issue. The information in those documents is entirely consistent with her comments in the Pilot. Dr. Bliss says that no board member, at the time they received the documents, or since, has refuted any part of their content.

A key concern among faculty in the current crisis is the belief that the flow of information throughout the institution has become severely restricted and compartmentalized. The Pilot is one of the few sources to which faculty, staff, and students can turn to get unfiltered information. I am proud of the moral courage student staffers have shown in pursuing the truth. The Pilot will continue that pursuit and stands by all of the stories that have appeared in its pages.

Craig Savoye

Pilot Faculty Advisor