The Greene County Schools board of education may finally take action to reduce administrative staff at a special meeting Wednesday, May 10, but only after hearing from an attorney about possible resulting legal action.
The elimination of a principal position is part of the cost-savings of closing the Intermediate School in Grand Junction.
“Possible action” on the staff reduction is listed on the meeting agenda as a sub-topic under a header of “Personnel”. The discussion on personnel will begin with a closed session as allowed by Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) “to discuss strategy with counsel in matters… where litigation is imminent.”
In December the board approved a policy for reduction of administrative staff, unanimously approving a mixed criteria that considers each principal’s overall performance as evaluated by the superintendent, licensure, and staffing to best serve the district’s interests.
Superintendent Tim Christensen in December said he would recommend to the board in January which administrator should be released. Under the board’s policy, all four principals were considered.
However, Christensen has yet to make a recommendation. He told the board in January that he had not yet spoken with the principal involved. No other mention has been made in open session.
Also on the agenda for the special meeting is action on the resignation of science teacher/activities director Dean Lansman; ratification of the negotiated agreement with Laborers Local #177 (bus drivers); contracts for the 2017-18 school year for coaching/extra duty, the Teacher Leadership program, and classified staff; the first reading of a new board policy on meal charges; an employee request for additional leave for personal illness; and 2017-18 administrative salaries/benefits.
The meeting will begin at 5:45 pm in the conference room at the administrative building at 204 W. Madison St. in Jefferson.
Because of the special meeting, there will be no board Q & A in May.
