| Rossford scolds 'rogue' board member |
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| Written by PETER KUEBECK Sentinel Staff Writer | |
| Wednesday, 23 May 2012 10:15 | |
Early in the meeting, President Dawn Burks read a statement, saying "as board president of the Rossford Exempted Village School District, it is my job to lead and move the board forward, accomplish new goals and tackle new problems." Each member of the board, she said, brings their own talents and tries to do what is best. However, she said, that can be a challenge when a member tries to work independently and not collectively. She noted that at their May 7 work session, the members discussed their individual roles, but there was the feeling that one of the members - whom she termed a "rogue board member" who went unnamed - was acting as an individual without board sanction. "This individual is conducting themselves uncivilly at meetings," and failing to keep information discussed in executive sessions - which under Ohio law is to be secret - confidential. Burks noted that such leaking of information is not illegal, but unethical, though in certain circumstances the Ohio Revised Code provides for a first degree misdemeanor charge. There was no indication of forthcoming legal action at the meeting. "This will not be tolerated any longer," said Burks. "We hope that after today we will not have to address these issues anymore." "I think we have, as board members, a responsibility to the community," said member Doug Miller. "We must remember that our decisions must be dictated by what is best for the students," and must be done in a professional and courteous manner. Member Beverly Koch offered an apology on behalf of the board to all who may be have been hurt by the actions of the "rogue" member. "I hope that you'll give us continued patience and understanding," she said. "We are brought in from the public sector to represent you, the district, and our job is to hire a superintendent and treasurer to run the day-to-day operations," explained member Ken Sutter, adding that it is not the job of the board to get into the operation of the district. He said he feels that some of that has been occurring. The board is to serve the public, not personal gain. "Some of that has come out and we're trying to correct that as we move forward." In other business, the board approved a one-year contract with current interim Superintendent William McFarland, hiring him fully as superintendent of the district through August of next year. The matter, which had formerly raised issues within the board, passed unanimously, and the gathered audience rose in an ovation for McFarland after the vote. Later in the meeting, members of the Rossford Association of Classroom Teachers (RACT), stood to commend McFarland for his work in the district thus far. Additionally, the board voted 3-1 to approve an agreement with the Northwestern Water and Sewer District over pending sewer line work. Koch served as the lone "no" vote. Board Vice President Jackie Brown was not present at the meeting. |
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