PERU — Dr. Thomas Stapleford says he came to Peru prepared to tackle his responsibilities as the School District's next superintendent.
But a long struggle with bipolar disorder forced him to seek help, as his job performance suffered and he ended up hospitalized.
"I was struggling and knew I wasn't going to be able to continue as superintendent," Stapleford said. "I have given a lot of thought about public disclosure. I feel fine about it. I feel mental illness is not something society understands well and probably doesn't do well with."
Individuals with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, suffer from abnormally elevated energy levels, referred to as mania, or hypomania if milder. Individuals who experience mania are also prone to depressive episodes, which, in some cases, occur simultaneously. The symptoms are often separated by periods of normalcy, though some individuals exhibit rapid cycling, while severe episodes can lead to delusions and hallucinations.
Mutual agreement
A mutual agreement cut Stapleford's tenure short at Peru Central School. He received 30 days' severance ($10,038.47, subject to withholding) and health insurance, to which he must contribute, through March 1, 2012, or when he secures another job, whichever comes first.
"I am not trying to be sour grapes, and (I) understand where they are coming from," Stapleford said. "What I would like to do is help other people, possibly by sharing my story."
As a teenager, Stapleford suffered severe and frequent migraines and insomnia that lasted up to five days at a time.
He graduated from college and held down jobs as a teacher, principal, superintendent and certified mediator, though his symptoms continued and at times worsened.
He was about 40 and working in Pennsylvania during his second superintendency when he crashed.
"The stress was bad, and I had to rely on more medications to regulate my moods and sleep," he said. "I took the job at Temple (University) and joined the faculty to slow myself down."
Specialists diagnosed him with bipolar eisorder in 2006.
Over the next four-and-a-half years he worked as a clinical assistant professor and coordinator of graduate studies at Temple University and published the book, "In Dispute: Conflict Resolution for School Leaders."
But sleep sporadically evaded him, and he was unable to concentrate, his energy low, as cycles of depression consumed him. During this time, Stapleford and his wife divorced.
A FRESH START
Various regiments of medications over the years and the continued manifestations of bipolar disorder took its toll. When Temple downsized, Stapleford explored outside options and ended up in the North Country. At $145,000 annually, he replaced A. Paul Scott, who retired as Peru Central School's superintendent.
"I came with the intention of starting fresh with lots of energy."
But his energy plummeted. Before he left Temple his psychiatrist had started him on another medication regiment.
"We were not done yet," said Stapleford, who is now 48. "I got here quickly, and it became evident the transition was going to be more challenging than I suspected."
Stapleford also discovered he had a heart condition.
Around Aug. 24, alone in his apartment after undergoing heart tests, he sobbed uncontrollably. He went five days without sleep, his moods rapid cycled and he began hallucinating.
His Peru colleagues noticed something was off, so Stapleford called his doctor, who urged him to go to the emergency room.
"It was the first time I had been hospitalized, but I knew I was struggling. I knew I needed help."
Admitted to CVPH
Stapleford was admitted to the mental-health unit at CVPH Medical Center under the care of a psychiatrist and staff. He said the care was "absolutely wonderful."
In the meantime, rumors surrounding his temporary leave of absence circulated.
"I knew from that moment things might not go away."
The School Board and Stapleford came to the mutual agreement that ended his employment.
"The most accurate thing I can say is they lost confidence in me and felt under the circumstances that with some of the things that happened I was not going to be able to continue as superintendent."
Stapleford wanted to keep his job but admitted his symptoms affected his work.
"I was forgetting things. There were pieces of my behavior, all I can say is they were not a hundred percent. They were of sufficient concern that the board felt they had to do what they had to do."
Encouraged by support
The support he received from faculty and staff humbled Stapleford.
"We wish him the best," School Board President Roderick Driscoll said.
With all personnel matters, Driscoll said, the individual can share details with the public, but such disclosure would not be appropriate for employers.
Scott has returned as interim superintendent, and taxpayers should not worry about the district, Driscoll said. He said the board budgeted a certain amount for superintendent services and will not expend all of those funds.
"Paul Scott was a wonderful superintendent and is doing a great job now."
It is unfortunate Stapleford could not continue, Driscoll said.
Stapleford said he holds no animosity toward the board but wishes he could have communicated with its representatives privately after he was stabilized, instead of through an attorney.
ONE DAY AT A TIME
Stapleford doesn't know where he'll go from here. He is contacting online universities in hopes of teaching from home.
"Right now, what I would like to do is help people by sharing my story, and maybe people will become understanding and sympathetic toward people with the disease. I am here in the North Country for now to maintain a relationship with doctors and keep things stabilized and taking it one day at a time.
"I wish I had the chance to continue, but that is not possible, and I understand that, and hopefully, we can all learn from that.
"It is what it is."
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