Chapter 8 - Susan Kellerman’s NumbersDirector Susan Kellerman had a financial reason to protect Mrs. Holloway.
Not secret millions.
Enrollment.
Mrs. Holloway’s classroom had the strongest retention rate among affluent families.
Parents who liked her recommended Brighton Grove.
Several major annual donors had children in her class.
The center operated a nonprofit scholarship arm alongside its private tuition business.
Mrs. Holloway cultivated wealthy parents aggressively.
Coffee.
Personal updates.
Special photos.
Priority communication.
Those families donated.
Mrs. Kellerman liked the results.
A former assistant director told investigators:
“Susan knew Jennifer played favorites.”
“How?”
“We discussed it.”
“What did Susan say?”
“That keeping influential families happy helped fund scholarships.”
There was the moral rationalization.
Favoritism toward wealthy families supposedly helped poorer children indirectly.
Except some of those poorer children were the ones Mrs. Holloway humiliated.
An email confirmed it.
Assistant director:
Concerned Jennifer’s gift comments are creating class tension.
Kellerman:
She brings in parent engagement we cannot afford to lose. Coach privately. Do not escalate unless there is a safety event.
A safety event eventually arrived.
Ella.
Scissors.
Porridge.
Mrs. Kellerman was placed on leave.
Brighton Grove’s board appointed an interim director.
Now the power balance changed.
The two adults who had controlled the narrative were outside the building.
May you like
Parents were invited to report concerns directly to the state monitor.
Complaints poured in.
Related Stories
