School board member chides administrators

Unrelated motion to create employment manual fails by 5-4 vote

During the comment portion of the school board’s Aug. 16 meeting, board member Clay Breece expressed frustration that administrators failed to comply with a board request made months ago.

Specifically, Breece referenced an April 5 meeting where direction was given by the school board’s finance committee to reduce the number of procurement cards used by administrators to make purchases.

“It’s still not done four months later,” Breece said. “When will administration follow board direction? We’re getting, for lack of a better word, insubordina-

tion.”

Board President Jill Dennin asked if Breece was accusing administrators of insubordination and what could be done.

“Do what you were directed to do at April 5 meeting,” he said.

He referenced the cancellation of 10 procurement cards, a number which was previously agreed upon.

Administrators said those 10 cards are not active, but have not yet been cancelled.

Superintendent Richard Faidley said the cards will be canceled and this action will be listed in the next board report, along with a list of the cancelled cards.

Board Solicitor Jeffrey Sultanik recommended that the board go into an executive session if discussing matters such as insubordination. All parties agreed there was no need to meet behind closed doors.

In other business, Breece made a motion for a district employee manual that would outline details such as employment positions, the amount of people in each position, scope of work, and a staff breakdown in each building. Board member Robert Caso seconded the motion.

Linda Curry, a former board member, commented in favor of the prosed manual. “I think that would be a good idea. It would help board members to know; they don’t have to ask administration.”

“We were elected to deliver efficient and thorough education,” said board member Donna Usavage. “We’re constantly asking for tons of information; not trusting. We hire experts. What I want us to think about and talk about is how we deliver education to students. I think that’s why we’re here.”

Board member John Landino referenced how the board has committees for these types of things and that he won’t vote for something that hasn’t gone through the proper process.

Stephen Elsier agreed with Landino, adding that it needs to go through a committee.

Dennin suggested the personnel committee take up the issue. Board member David Lewis, who also chairs the personnel committee, said he’d look into it at the next meeting.

Breece said he’s not looking for a debate. “This board director wants an organizational manual. No one in this room, besides administration, knows how many employees the district has.”

He referred to the manuals as tools to govern.

“I believe we have a portion of dysfunctionality. We don’t go over plans — I think that’s part of the problem,” said Breece. “I’m amazed no one wants to help us understand the hierarchy. If you don’t think it’s important — look at your responsibly as a board member.”

He added that the board members should know many employees the district has and it is “breathtaking” that no one will vote for it.

The motion failed with a 5-4 vote.

Board members Clay Breece, Paul Stengle, Christine Neiman, and Robert Caso voted in favor; John Landino, Stephen Elsier, Donna Usavage, David Lewis, and Jill Dennin cast the dissenting votes.

“We were elected to deliver efficient and thorough education. We’re constantly asking for tons of information; not trusting. We hire experts. What I want us to think about and talk about is how we deliver education to students. I think that’s why we’re here.” — Donna Usavage, board member