This story states that the NECCA board knew “full well” that “the emotional resonance” of firing founders Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion “would upset the community” and that the coaches had warned the board in advance that they would resign should the board take this action.
The Board of Trustees has a fiduciary duty to show care, obedience, and loyalty to the organization. In the midst of ongoing fundraising, confidence is a necessity, and rapid growth requires stability.
It was not responsible to be warned in advance, yet still inflict an act that would undermine the confidence of donors, the public, and other stakeholders. Without staff, the organization would risk financial instability at a time of rapid change and growth.
As this article points out, there is nothing atypical about NECCA's organizational structure, nor are challenges regarding resources, power structure, or personnel atypical.