Voices of West Virginia Academy

Note: this excerpt is from an email sent by its author, Sean McWilliams, to WVA parents.

At https://bit.ly/4bLf3GN, I have created a folder, “Testimonials”, that contains eight lengthy signed statements from former WVA employees, comments included in an “Employee Satisfaction Survey” that was sent to all current WVA teachers, and the full results of that same survey. I have included some excerpts from the teacher statements and the survey comments below for your convenience, but I emphasize that despite their length and their devastating content, they are only excerpts. Regarding the survey, which was an entirely neutral questionnaire, a quarter of the faculty filled it out despite being warned not to in an email from Holly (see “Holly_email.pdf” inside the Testimonials folder). Based on the survey results, 75% of the faculty have “no confidence” in either John or Heidi Treu to continue in their roles at WVA. Please also note that 75% have “confidence” in Holly and Roy “Bogie” Boggess, so no argument can be made that Holly’s discouraging email preferentially turned away supporters of the administration. The responses to all of the questions paint a dismal view of the future of the school if the Treus are not removed immediately, and point to Holly and Bogie Boggess (who was unceremoniously fired recently) as the only bright spots. I will note that I also originally had high hopes for Holly, but her actions in defaming Kenney Hite and Bogie Boggess and targeting my children to get back at me and my wife necessitate her removal as well in my opinion, regardless of whether she acted under the direction of the Treus or of her own accord.

Testimonials

“Teachers had zero guidance or feedback from Heidi or John. There were no classroom observations for new teachers or teachers who were flailing in the classroom… I experienced verbal and emotional abuse from Heidi, who could fly into a rage at the drop of a hat. I was disrespected by John and Heidi and made to feel stupid, useless and easily replaceable. By November, I dreaded going to work… Looking back, my time at WVA was a complete façade. It was all about making the school look good for parents, the community, news articles and for important people who came to tour the school so that John and Heidi could get more money (for what, nobody knows, because God forbid we ask about finances). I certainly never saw the students or staff benefit from these donations. There were constant financial problems that everyone knew about but were to be kept hush-hush. There were multiple times that staff were concerned whether our paychecks would post on time or at all. Transparency was lacking in every aspect of the school’s administration. John and Heidi Treu are not in a position to lead WVA in a way that positively impacts the students and staff. They are self-centered, emotionally manipulative narcissists who have no regard for their staff or students’ wellbeing.” – Natalie Bright

“As Rebecca Bobincheck walked into the room Heidi commanded Rebecca to not take the seat, she was starting to sit in but commanded her to take a seat in front of the room… Heidi’s tone was loud, agitated, frustrated… Heidi taunted Rebecca… She was pointing and yelling at Rebecca while Rebecca sat silently. I stood up to move physically between Rebecca and Heidi. Rebecca could not answer the questions because Heidi would not allow her to speak. She would not allow me to speak either. From an employee relations perspective, Heidi Treu’s behavior towards an employee was grossly inappropriate and unprofessional. When Rebecca stood up to leave Heidi told Rebecca in an agitated, angry tone to ‘get your children and get out of the school.’ Let it be known that Heidi used this exact same threatening language with a former employee, Adrienne Sturgeon… Heidi Treu’s inflated view of herself and her distorted idea of leadership will only harm the school, the children, and its staff. Her bullying and harassment of employees will not stop. Because of this, I am discontinuing employment with West Virginia Academy as soon as possible.” – Becky Valentine

“Ashlee Cooper and I were running out of ratio every single day. We would have to leave our children in the classrooms alone to run to the restroom, to print materials, to put out napping cots, or to help a child alone in the bathroom. We also never once got a lunch break. Our children all napped in one front room together with maybe one inch between their cots. We had notified John and Heidi of this many times, all while they tried to enroll many more children in our rooms.” – Abby Mabin

“My concern for West Virginia Academy is that if John is chair of the Board and Heidi is President/Director of the Academy, then where can employees go when they are being treated unfairly, as myself, Adrienne, and Rebeckah have been?” – Rebecca Bobincheck

“Over time, I’ve seen numerous promises that have not been upheld. When teachers fall short, they are punished severely. You and Heidi have both made a hostile work environment where no one is safe and logic does not apply… You and Heidi are a drain on the school morale, but you are known to ‘fight dirty’ so those who need to keep their job at the school do not speak up or out against the Treu administration. You are an intimidator, not a motivator.” – Kenney Hite

“The information shared during this transition was minimal, with the explanation that the ‘Executive Team’ has been streamlined to include the CEO, COO, and CFO. The removal of HR aspects was mentioned, citing the prevention of unilateral termination without oversight. It was also stated that new members, Holly (new COO) and Trisha (new CFO), are considered more suitable for the ‘Executive Team’. However, no details were provided regarding the criteria for this determination. This lack of transparency and professional communication is regrettable.” – Roy “Bogie” Boggess, who ironically was unilaterally terminated by the Executive Team without oversight

“I was concerned with the constant switching of rooms for the students and asked if that could change and I was met with major backlash. Suddenly I felt that I couldn’t say or do anything right. I always felt like I was walking on eggshells no matter what I did.” – Makayla A.

“I had to go ask Heidi where art would be taught and she said I’d be pushing a cart around.  (She never gave me a cart.)” – Patty Britton

Survey Comments

John is very confrontational and intimidating. On numerous occasions, he has told me on thing only to find out he has told someone else something different. I have seen him act defensive when simply asked a question by companies outside of WVA- the way this comes off is as if he has done something wrong and has something to hide.

John talks to women in a degrading way. He tends to talk in circles and not really fix any problems, but just tell you exactly what he wants done. There is never a discussion with him. I feel like he bullies staff members into just putting head down and going back to work because we know there will be no resolution, so you just need to learn to deal with a situation.

She comes and goes in the building. You can never guarantee she will be here. When you go to her with a problem, she says she will handle it but then there is never any follow-up communication and the problem usually persist. She will get onto staff for students not following dress code when her children are never dressed in proper dress code. She will enter classrooms, not knowing what is happening or going on. She often changes schedules at the very last minute, which put Teachers in a bind we all try very hard to schedule our classes, so they run smoothly if there is ever a bump in the road, it is usually due to her lack of planning and quick decisions. Meetings are pointless because she talks, but does not listen.

Professor Treu exhibits irrational behavior and a lack of organization, which has a direct impact on the quality of work teachers are able to deliver to our students. Her tendency to make last-minute decisions adds an additional layer of challenge to maintaining the standard of education we strive for in our elementary school.

She has gotten better this year but she is still all over the place. She is a good person but I wouldn’t choose her to be a leader.