School superintendent walks out of interview

It is National News Literacy Week and we want to pull back the curtain to explain some of our daily journalistic practices. We told you last night about the Woodland Park School District's plans to merge the middle and high schools. During an interview with the district superintendent, News 5's Maggie Bryan asked him a question about a different topic that a former district employee had brought to our attention. She joins us in the studio to explain.

[@EricFullwood]

Disgraceful. He should be fired immediately.

[@SylviaHolman-ef8fv]

Agreed, along with an investigation of tax $.

[@shaft5]

I am wondering if I am missing something here. His reaction is bizarre. Seems to me all he had to say was that it was a mistake.

[@dougbingham1085]

Should be fired on the spot. Nothing but a lying bully as he hovers behind her to intimidate her.

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

100%

[@garygolfer3243]

⁠@@richardlamm4826Um, the camera filming him was hidden? What do you know that others don’t?

[@KevinWhite-zb5os]

Fuckin camera was RIGHT THERE! He actually said "cut" to the cameraman. Catch up Gary.@@garygolfer3243

[@user-qx7lr2jy1m]

I notice a bully standing over her trying to gain control.

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

100!

[@briankramme7295]

This reaction just makes me think he is hiding something truly sinister.

[@RealMTBAddict]

He seems like a bully.

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

100%

[@faithhupy4983]

He acts like he's the most important person in the building

[@jameswest9261]

Public servants who appear to have forgotten they are SERVANTS.

[@itsablessingbeinganamerica1401]

Narcissistic individuals

[@richb1576]

Oh he is. I have worked for a school system for 23 years. The superintendent that was here when I got hired eventually resigned due to a medical problem. ( Alcoholism ) The next superintendent got caught up in a scandal involving a parent friend of his who apparently had an affair with a high school girl. That was very messy and ended with the superintendent resigned and the parent doing jail time. The next one worked out well and left to work for a bigger school system. The next one was very friendly with the Female principals. So friendly that he ended up resigning after only 2 years and there was more than one settlement. One bought a lake side vacation home in the Adirondacks.

[@ridwanomar5351]

Cut like we are watching a movie 😂😂Lol

[@spcvonhamm8857]

If you’re telling the truth, no need to stop answering questions or cut off the camera. In fact, you’d appreciate the opportunity to straighten out any misunderstandings that exist

[@maggie2sticks717]

It's actually that he wants all the facts gathered so they don't get sued.

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

@@maggie2sticks717 wrong. He claims it was a mistake and all straightened out. Plus where is the lawsuit. No school is required to provide after school tutoring.

[@Joe-pc3hs]

Then it would be best if the news released unedited footage so we could all make our own conclusions.

[@writerconsidered]

Wow he escalated that quickly. It wasn't even that controversial but he acted like it was personal. What skeletons is he hiding? He just Streisanded himself. Dig in guys he's hiding something.

[@CHDean]

What’s HE hiding?

[@writerconsidered]

@@CHDean If I knew that it wouldn't be hiding would it. The whole point is to investigate and see if they can come up with something.

[@stupidplumbing2343]

Why is this off the record? He's just another entitled civil servant. He loves cashing the paychecks funded by the taxpayers but doesn't want the taxpayers to know what's going on with their tax dollars.

[@AmusedChild]

What a jerk. He's not a movie director.

[@natureinmotion2355]

Seems like a super intendant that needs to be removed from his position, if that’s how you treat someone exercising their rights. I don’t want him in any position of authority. Especially with children. He’s hiding something. I wonder if he’s funneling funds into his own pockets? Keep pressing on him!!!

[@Matt-sd8qg]

This is the guy the board just gave a new contract to, $15k more per year, guaranteed minimum 5% annual raise, up to 15% bonus per year, and he's not even required to work full time (he gets to keep his other taxpayer-funded job at ERBOCES).

[@shannonfildes8266]

HE DOES!!! HE IS DISGUSTING 🫣

[@mpettway6982]

​@@Matt-sd8qgGrifters are going to grift!

[@millahnna]

@@Matt-sd8qg I'm not in the area but I'm guessing that while he gets his big raises, the actual rank and file teachers can barely make ends meet. Seems like it's that way everywhere.

[@rmiller334]

They all do it. All school systems operate this way. They are just another government bureaucracy and a law unto themselves.

[@gloriagehring8676]

Now you know where the bullying comes from…

[@SylviaHolman-ef8fv]

He is telling you to your face that as a public school employee he does not have to answer to the taxpayers that pay his salary. You might want to look into this school district as a whole, perhaps a public accounting.

[@thebandit7623]

Something is fishy here. Either someone is embezzling money from the school funding or Superintendent knows and gets a cut. No sane person would act like this if the issue was corrected. This only shows he is not fit or to be trusted with school funds.

[@michaelohare6555]

I am impressed with how this young looking reporter handled herself. Very well done.

[@damianayre2130]

Why did he get so angry and defensive. People only do that when they get caught doing something wrong and they are embarrassed. The way he got up and stood over her ? WTF was that ? Trying to intimidate a women with your size ? Clearly a threatening gesture. I am so glad they got all of it on camera.

[@oypapibigcat08]

LMAO, woodland park resident here -- Ken is a joke and a disgrace to this town.

[@charliepiland3285]

I guess The Supe is so used to having unchecked power, & fealty, that he feels he can just call ‘cut’ on a news crew and instantly obtain compliance with his every demand?!? What a tool…! He actually appeared to have easily explained the alleged ‘error’ about the after school program funding. Yet, his ego led him to humiliate himself in the process by throwing a hissy fit.

[@matthewdow1327]

If that email was wrong why would he want to cut the interview?

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

great question

[@graciemadelyn2200]

This part time superintendent has increased his salary so that he makes as much or more than than the teachers that put in 4-8 times more work during the week than he does. How does he account for this salary increase? How does the board?

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

he makes at least double the highest paid teacher in the district

[@graciemadelyn2200]

@@kellyhunsaker3775 That's even WORSE!

[@mpettway6982]

​​@@kellyhunsaker3775Doesn't he also have another full-time job?

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

@@mpettway6982 yes -- or another part time job that also pays him full time wages and gives him crazy benefits

[@kyle381000]

When a public official insists on going off the record, it means that they're going to lie about something.

[@WlmaAlexender-zl6nx]

That's a threat. That man physically threatened her. They let this bully rule over children! Everyone involved must be fired and investigated.

[@charliepiland3285]

“Merging” middle & high schools, in today’s society, seems indefensible on any level. 13 year olds are a world apart from 17 year olds.

[@99sentcoins]

😂 I went to school in New York. It was grades K-12. We had no problems with it. Only people that have never been to a school like that, insists there will be problems. You are uneducated. I went to a K-12 school and was just fine, as well as ALL of the other students. In fact, the school STILL has grades K-12. Did I mention that we also had an Olympic size indoor pool, a regulation sized basketball court in the gym, a 2 football teams, we had an Olympic size track around a football field, 3 baseball fields, 3 softball fields, a soccer field and a shooting range. Seems to me, you missed out on a lot of school activities by growing up in the woods, in a 3rd world country. I'm surprised you can form a complete sentence.

[@stevenswitzer5154]

I was 13 in highschool... Graduated when I was 17. I think you mean 10 year olds and 18 years olds

[@99sentcoins]

@@stevenswitzer5154 They don't know what they mean. I graduated at age 16. I'm not sure this person graduated at all. My 1st comment seems to have been removed.

[@gamerknown]

In England secondary school is 11-16, 18 if there's a sixth form

[@sexygirlmax2019]

What? I have been to plenty of k-12 schools, theyre just held in different classes. Are you mental?

[@garygolfer3243]

He went straight into intimidation mode. Hmmmm?

[@5quareson]

At least we can all agree that something illegal is going on and the superintendent knows of something that could remove him from his position and might put him and others in jail

[@HowlingFantods]

If thats what "we all can agree on" then you people are morons.

[@peterrollinson-lorimer]

You hit a nerve there, begs investigation. People with nothing to hide don't behave this way, and he is compelled to be transparent.

[@fmm3487]

did he really just drop the mic on the floor?!!!!!🤣 so can i just say... "baby, baby stick your head in gravy. wrap it up in bubble gum and send it to the navy"

[@maestromecanico597]

Geez. I haven’t heard that one in ages.

[@GameGhost1]

Superintendant came off as a real bully. We know what kind of kid he was now.

[@rayreid1589]

You are wrong. Protecting your boundaries is not bullying. If anything, the interviewer was the bully.

[@setpunks13]

​@@rayreid1589 he's a public servant and she's him about where taxpayer money is going. How, in your paranoid little world, would that be a violation of boundaries? In no way was she "bullying" him, except to a person with an ego like eggshells.

[@rayreid1589]

@@setpunks13 You are lying. She asked him about an email that allegedly made some erroneous claim. He refused to comment, to "take the bait". He asked her to turn off the camera, she refused, so he refused to participate. His prerogative. Do you honestly believe that the media is after THE TRUTH?? The media is always after RATINGS. That is why they often brag about "being the first", with an "exclusive story". The media is one of the biggest problem in our country. If there are 10 people in a room, 2 on one extreme, 2 on the other extreme, and 6 moderates ... the media will give >90% of their story to the 40% that are the extremists. The media feeds off of conflict. And the media hypocritically claims to simply report the news. No, the media distorts the news. Just ask Malcom X.

[@graciemadelyn2200]

How do you finally fight against this school board and Ken Witt? Do all parents pull their kids out of grades 6-8 and move them into new districts? Will that finally make a difference? When do they finally stop hurting these children?

[@LarryLunchbox]

I’m sure his salary and benefit package is much better than most people…public servant my a$$

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

you would be right. $170K plus guaranteed bonus and raises, $100 phone stipend, $500 car stipend, unlimited food budget -- all for 3 days per week, and the same amounts from his second part-time job

[@LarryLunchbox]

@@kellyhunsaker3775 don’t forget his health insurance and pension

[@twostep1953]

So... he told the truth; it went public and embarrassed the school district. The bureaucrats responded by stealing funds from some other program and forced him to apologize.

[@Lokipc]

What do you expect from young Mitch McConnell?

[@marywilson117]

Bullying starts at the top.

[@benevolencia4203]

School official says “Are we clear?” I was hoping the interviewer would respond “crystal” yes… we can handle the truth, just so seldom is it voluntarily given these days.

[@EliChristman]

What a posturing and intimidating move to throw the microphone on the ground instead of placing it on the table, his tone of voice, and where and how he stood behind her. He owes an apology. And needs to be terminated. He's a public employee.

[@agb1953]

Well, he made himself look like an enormous buffoon. All he had to say when she asked was, "The principal made a mistake and it has been retracted." His behavior proves there's some hanky panky going on with some money somewhere.

[@gloriagehring8676]

Did this person get voted in? They never have all the information. And it is now.

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

no. He was hired by the people who were voted in

[@russs7574]

It has been my experience with school boards and school administrators that they react to accountability the same way a vampire reacts to a crucifix. I had to laugh at his "This is off the record. Are we clear?" The proper response (although the reporter seems much too classy to do so) would be, "(Quack) you, pal. You're working for the public. Answer the damn question for the cameras."

[@lilypercell6793]

...hands in the cookie jar. Other districts need 2 signatures for 10k expenses so they spend 9999.99 wio accountable 2nd signature to pad pockets...til caught.. eventually but by that time schools are closed.

[@maukwa420]

He says CUT, he thinks he's Steven Spielberg

[@dougbingham1085]

They think they are above everyone.and act like little kids

[@Jeff-kp5ng]

Y’all are journalists, you shouldn’t have turned the cameras off and doing so undermines your integrity. Words said off the record are a piss into the wind.

[@GuruishMike]

What would the reporter do with "off the record information"? She's there to report.

[@ronwade5646]

Bully gets up and stands over me, he falls down goes B00m

[@philosopher1a]

WHY does he need it off the record ... and why would it be hidden?

[@butteryfriedwizard2219]

It...seems like a pretty innocent question. I don't understand why he was offended.

[@TheIrishAmish]

Middle schoolers SHOULD NEVER attend with high schoolers!

[@ronhat-nx6yq]

Strange why he did not want to answer the questions but still he has the right to not do so. He certainly should have handled it differently.

[@jameswest9261]

Appears someone struck a nerve. What else are they trying to hide? A public school employee who fears transparency, what could be wrong with that?

[@gregwelsh2985]

Seems like a totally transparent school district.

[@janetblack905]

What a creep. He walked over to her in an act of intimidation. There wasn't any need for that.

[@woodyl8416]

Hmm... most definitely more to this, what's he worried about?

[@bill3641]

It's ALL about the kids and our responsibility to remain Honest and Transparent in what we do........................

[@stevenswitzer5154]

See how he stood up, walked around the table to try to intimidate her?

[@dano6943]

My experiences with various superintendents is that they feel they do no wrong, are arrogant and a lot like politicians.

[@patriot9455]

OH, YES, every citizen understands this, especially parent in a school district.

[@chuckfinley3542]

Time to interview members of the school board.

[@annamarielewis7078]

Literacy week, except in Florida, Texas and probably Ohio.

[@robinhughes6892]

Last week WAS Literacy Week in FL. (At least at my friend’s school…)

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

and WP, CO

[@richb1576]

If he was the superintendent Of my school system I would be wanting answers. Not about the program funding but about why he feels it’s so important to keep it from public knowledge?

[@jeffsavage7135]

The records have to be requested through FOI request. There are proper procedures to follow.

[@dw3403]

Bad idea. In the 70's they merged a high school with a junior high while the high school was being built. Many teens were introduced to drugs far sooner than the national average because of it.

[@burnout_2017]

What is he trying to hide? Dude is awefully shady. He looks like my 3yr old when i would catch him woth his hand in the cookie jar.

[@bokesnmokes]

Well if you set up an interview to discuss merging classes then start asking questions about funding for programs how could they negotiate “off the record” guidelines?

[@Randy-md6xl]

Why didn't he just politely say that they made a mistake and it has been corrected? With his manner of getting upset, I don't think it was a mistake.

[@edwardantrobusjr2253]

Has he been terminated yet?😮

[@jaybrodell1959]

Who is this guy? Who does he work for? Reporters should not go off the record.

[@yasmeennasir8286]

Yooooo we would have been in a physical altercation.. he is agressive!!! When not necessary.

[@sparklebutt1119]

Was he standing behind her to read it?

[@robjohnson8522]

What a little Napoleon! Thinks he is in charge of everything!

[@nowhereman7398]

So why is he getting all upset over the question if somebody just misspoke?

[@dbdb703]

"journalistic Practices" Lol

[@BirdDogey1]

I've worked in public education for years. It is difficult to find a more arrogant group than public school superintendents. There must be something awry for him to behave this way. Red Flag.

[@bwtv147]

The fatal flaw of most open records acts is that there is no penalty for public servants who refuse to comply. This school superintendent will not pay a penny in fines or do a minute in jail for defying the law.

[@monteirolobato6830]

Nothing is off the record in an interview.

[@mrdeserna]

As written he is under un ongoing investigation, and cannot continue. The interview being apart of that on going investigation. The superintendent basically is taking the 5th. As is his right. The news reporter should close by saying she will contact his attorney and or the authorities to further continue the interview. Unfortunately her skill set it to report and not investigate. What you don't know

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

Looks like the reporter should have done her homework.

[@farmerbrown3768]

So much for transparency! I think the superintendent is a coward for not being forthcoming with the details.

[@99sentcoins]

People are talking about grade 6-8 merging with grades 9-12. Whats wrong with that ? I went to a couple schools. In NY, it was K-12. Nobody got hurt, or something worse. Thats all in your head. In Pa, it was grades 6-12. Again, nobody got hurt or worse. We benefited from it. Upper classmates showed us how to act. They help stop any bullying. We all got along together well. It build trust & friendships. Segregated students dont do that well. If its only 6-8, the 8th graders bully way more because there isnt a 9th or 10th grader to put them in their place. Its just like jail. Put someone in jail and they will not care, but put them in prison and their attitudes change. Why ? Well, there are only like 60 people max in jail, anyone can be a bully. But in prison, there are usually over 1000 people per prison. Lets see you bully someone now. 😂 Its fine to have them all together. We survived and it was the 70s & 80s. People today are softer than Charmin !

[@bubbaramsey9777]

They tried a gotcha moment and to make him look stupid.

[@Keith-do2jm]

Where is the transparency now The public should know what our schools are doing

[@canileaveitblank1476]

He should switch to decaf. 😂

[@mysterion4301]

What arrogant and despicable behavior out of a public employee. Simply answer the questions; now you look as if you've got something to hide. Information covered under FOIA shouldn't be dictated by petty tyrants.

[@hollowdog9049]

Deep dive this!

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

He's a bully. Why didn't he just say it was an error. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

[@user-jr2mk7mw5w]

Whoops🤔🤪

[@Calallenbrian84]

What's the big deal? Someone got something wrong on an email. They made a mistake and you apologize to the public. Why act like you have to cut the cameras?

[@HowlingFantods]

Probably because she asked him to do an interview about some schools merging and then at the first opportunity, changed the subject to a line of questioning she though would make him look bad. He realized the interview was not in good faith and decided not to continue.

[@Der8cho]

Typical arrogant "public servant".

[@linedanzer4302]

He clearly *is NOT fit for his job.*

[@kellyhunsaker3775]

definitely

[@billcarr6289]

Why so much secret stuff.

[@bigfish1924]

cut !!! he just does not get it

[@kathyhoot7277]

Busted

[@krisrap3828]

Witt has also removed some mental health counsellors. In his statement, Witt said mental health services are often “utilized for gender confusion and sexual identity matters instead of the counseling and character development that our schools ought to pursue.” Now, he earns points for me for that one. So, while I am not sure about him trying to avoid speaking on camera, I am not going to write him off just yet. The media likes to bury people fighting against leftists.

[@sharonstone-bh1zp]

Looks like a cover-up story needs to happen.

[@lindab.1625]

Wow what a big baby! It wasn’t even a big deal to begin with.

[@annalisavajda252]

Well they made a mistake and are not going to consent to being publicly embarrased about it guess he figured he was asked to speak of a different topic and that's all he wanted to discuss he wanted to stay on subject maintain control of the interview.

[@user-rt2mm9rw4l]

SHOWS HES CORRUPT

[@DrSammyMunchkin]

Please fire him. This attitude is not a one off. ✌

[@jw4620]

Get that guy out of there.

[@alexrodgers9247]

Immediately fire Phil Donahue!

[@setpunks13]

What a creepy, reptilian guy. That was such a weird, bullying thing to do.