Portage crowd split on superintendent

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) - Teachers, administrators, parents and residents packed a Portage school board meeting Monday night, one week after the board said it didn't support the district's superintendent.

During a public comment session that lasted about one hour, people had the chance to speak to Board of Education trustees -- and state their opinions on the board, Superintendent Marsha Wells, and how the rift between the two is affecting the district.

At a meeting last week that was intended to be an informal review of Wells, some trustees brought up their concerns about her role. Some said she lacks vision and leadership.

Wells attended Monday's meeting, but didn't speak on the issue.

No decisions were made, and people on both sides said they hoped board members and the administration would keep students and education as the top priorities.

The closed meeting portion ended at 11 p.m. with no action, said Tom Vance, the Portage Public Schools community manager in an e-mail statement.

Watch the video, at left, to see highlights from the meeting.