8/2017 - MBA2
C216 MBA Problem Statement Problem
Statement: Graduate Capstone Course
Student Name:
Student ID: Click here to enter text.
Capstone Program: C216 -VVT2: MBA
State the problem or business need in one or two sentences.
Ineffective hiring and retention has resulted in a work culture full of toxic employees who
are creating a hostile work environment for students, staff, and parents. Erroneous
lawsuits are reacting havoc on allotted budgets and students are the ones paying the
ultimate price.
Describe the client/organization by providing some background and describing the context
in which the business problem or need occurs.
West Benton Unified School District (WBUSD) is a nonprofit public educational
institution located in Braxton, California with 6,109 active employees. It is the second
largest District in Mulberry County and consists of nineteen elementary, seven middle,
and five high schools. For the 2017-2018 fiscal year, enrollment reached an all-time
high of 31,644 students since its opening in 1888. WBUSD believes that people are
their most valuable resource and has three core values that governs the District’s
policies and procedures; commitment to student equality, safety, and the profession.
Currently the District is in the midst of four high profile lawsuits with former and active
employees; then six additional high cost lawsuits/settlements with students who were failed due
a safe educational environment. There are a grand total of sixteen employees and/or
administrators who are currently placed on paid administrative leave. These individuals have
conducted themselves in a manner that is unfit to be in the proximity of their peers and students,
but are receiving full compensation and fringe benefits. The amount of money the District is
bleeding into toxic employees has halted the advancement in technology and outside programs
for K-12 students.
When did the organization become aware of the problem? What actions, if any, have been
taken to mitigate the problem?
In January of 2013, it was brought to light that an account at WBUSD had embezzled
over 3 million dollars from the student lunch program over an eight year period. It is
believed that she did not act alone; the Superintendent and Associate Superintendent
were also suspected to have a role in the misappropriation of funds. The former
