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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor : Saugerties voters spoke loud and clear when they turned down the budget proposed by a majority of Board of Education members and the superintendent. Not since voters overwhelming rejected (70%-30%) the $62 million school building project in 2002, and then 5 months later swept 3 new board members into office, have voters so clearly made their dissatisfaction known. It is significant that a previous long serving board member that was seeking to return after a three-year absence, and was strongly associated with the $62 million project and other questionable decisions, finished last in the election.
The challenges for the board are difficult and will require resolve. Four steps that would begin the healing process (and go beyond the probable inclination of some board members to simply create cosmetic changes) are:
1- The Superintendent of Schools should be replaced. Recently published expenditures related to trips and functions indicated very poor judgment at the least, or border on something worse. The superintendent can't adequately run this school district with a cloud over his head. His actions upset the public, which was reflected in the voting. People will have to understand and support the fact that with 3 years remaining on his contract - it may cost the district to negotiate a separation agreement (but also save on his remaining salary if properly negotiated). The superintendent has to realize it's in his best interest to not simply stay put and weather the storm, but to negotiate a reasonable separation agreement. The schools and the students will be much better off if this is quickly accomplished.
2- A new board President should be chosen during the July reorganization meeting. Different leadership is needed. There are one or two board members out of the 9 that may be acceptable to both sides.
3- An independent financial audit of the district should be performed; focused on the review of policies, procedures, and contracts related to authorizations and reimbursement for district expenditures. This is important so that the public can regain confidence that the school's money isn't being misused or wasted. The board needs to receive recommendations from the auditors for any changes that are necessary, and then act accordingly. (Although the district has an annual audit conducted, this new audit would have a specific and detailed focus that the general audit can't provide.)
4- The attorney for the district should be replaced. Besides legal affairs, the attorney is responsible for contract negotiations on behalf of the board, including the 2-year expired contract with the teachers and employees. A new voice at the negotiating table may go a long way in moving things along. A new attorney will also give the board some fresh ideas and different perspective on the many complicated legal matters school board members have to deal with.
The public is so frustrated with some school board members, they may want to add a 5th step toward recovery, by asking one or more board members to resign. My feeling on this is since all 9 members have important issues to resolve at this time, they shouldn't be distracted with this issue. If a member's only fault has been that they used bad judgment, then the public can judge them the next Election Day.
Sincerely,
May 25, 2006 |