Everett, Washington
Special Board Meeting
The Board of Directors of Everett School District No. 2, Snohomish County, Washington, held a special Board meeting on Monday, June 30, 2008, at 8 a.m., in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Board members in attendance were Carol Andrews, Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen and Ed Petersen.
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
The purpose of the special meeting was to discuss and take possible action on the process for selecting a new superintendent or an interim superintendent, and, if appropriate, discuss and take possible action on the appointment of, and contract for, a new superintendent or an interim superintendent.
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Whitehead opened her comments by thanking the Board for their special remarks last Friday at the Board’s meeting and in the subsequent news release when she announced her retirement from the District.
Dr. Whitehead said her last official day in the District is August 31, 2008 and her retirement is effective September 1, 2008. Her last work day is no later than July 18, 2008 as she will be on vacation, but she will be on call as needed. In addition, Deputy Superintendent Karst Brandsma and Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Bob Collard will be on hand if Dr. Whitehead is not available. A new or interim superintendent needs to be on board by September 1, 2008.
Dr. Whitehead outlined the protocol for discussing the procedures and options about whether this is the appropriate time to (1) do a search for a new superintendent, with a start date of September 1, 2008, or (2) to appoint an interim superintendent now to begin on September 1, 2008, and then perhaps at a later date begin making plans to do a search process during the 2008-2009 school year for selecting a superintendent to begin July 1, 2009. The Board should discuss the two options, weighing the pros and cons of each. Next, the Board should make a motion to (1) begin a search process to hire a new superintendent in hopes the process will be complete and a candidate hired by September 1, 2008 or (2) appoint an interim superintendent without a search, offer a contract beginning September 1, 2008 to him or her, and begin a search later in the 2008-2009 school year for a new superintendent to begin July 1, 2009. If the Board decides to begin a search immediately for a new superintendent, then they need to discuss how they plan to go about that search. The Board president can direct the current superintendent to assist or may ask one or two Board members to take on duties. If the Board decides to take longer for a search so that a new superintendent will begin on July 1, 2009, then they will need to appoint an interim to serve from September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. If there is a decision to appoint, then the Board should discuss whether there are possible candidates available of interest to this Board. They should indicate the name(s) of the candi date(s) and discuss the qualifications of each. A member of the Board should make a motion to appoint a particular person as the Interim Superintendent. The Board president may choose to designate one or two members of the Board to negotiate with the selected person on contract terms and to return to the full Board at its next regular meeting on July 8, 2008 with a proposed contract for an Interim Superintendent effective September 1, 2008.
In accordance with these guidelines, President Madsen opened the discussion about whether this is the appropriate time to do a search for a new superintendent, with a start date of September 1, 2008.
Board member Petersen said it will be important to take time in finding a new superintendent. It will be important to engage others, such as the community, in the process. He recommended not appointing a permanent superintendent at this time; rather, appoint an interim. Board member Dutton recommended appointing an interim now. Board member Cooper concurred with Mr. Petersen and Ms. Dutton. This is not a good time of year to find a permanent replacement. Taking time to find a replacement is essential; thus, her recommendation is to appoint an interim. Board member Andrews echoed her colleagues’ feelings and recommended appointing an interim. President Madsen agreed and said we are out of sync with the normal selection period. In addition, summer is not a good time for community engagement in the process.
Kristie Dutton moved to appoint an interim superintendent, with a contract date beginning September 1, 2008, and to begin a search later in the 2008-2009 school year for a new superintendent to begin on July 1, 2009. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Next, President Madsen asked for ideas about the characteristics of who the Board might want to appoint as Interim Superintendent. Board member Cooper recommended appointing the interim from within the District in order to keep the work of the District moving forward. Board member Dutton concurred and said having an interim worked well during the period following the resignation of Dr. Littell and the hiring of Dr. Whitehead. Board member Petersen also recommended looking from within to help maintain momentum in the areas of curriculum, capital projects and budget, to name a few, so that the Board can then focus on the future of the District. Board member Andrews concurred with her Board colleagues, as did President Madsen. Ms. Madsen said she and the Board are very frustrated and so sad that Dr. Whitehead has been put in the position of leaving because of the threat to her life. Nevertheless, it will be important to take the appropriate steps to ensure that the incredible gains the District has enjoyed as a result of Dr. Whitehead’s leadership are not lost.
President Madsen asked her Board colleagues for suggestions of candidates for an interim; several names were mentioned. The Board then discussed the candidates' qualifications.
Sue Cooper moved to appoint Karst Brandsma as interim superintendent of Everett Public Schools from September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
During the meeting, President Madsen contacted Mr. Brandsma via telephone because he was out of town. She informed him that she was calling during the Board meeting. When offered the interim position, he said yes, he would be pleased to accept. He is humbled, excited and honored.
President Madsen asked for a two-person sub-committee of the Board to negotiate the terms of an employment contract with Mr. Brandsma. Sue Cooper and Ed Petersen will serve as the sub-committee, with the intent of presenting a contract for the Board's consideration at its July 8, 2008 meeting.
Dr. Whitehead distributed a letter from the Communities of Color Coalition (E:248/08).
BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Petersen noted that there is community interest in the new superintendent. He welcomed Bo Tunestam, of the Communities of Color Coalition, and Bill Reed, community activist. President Madsen said, because she will miss the July 8 Board meeting, this will be the last Board meeting during which she gets to work with Dr. Whitehead. She expressed her deep affection for Dr. Whitehead and noted how much she has learned from her. It has been a delight, both professionally and personally. Dr. Whitehead said she believes the District does have a strong foundation and the Leadership Team is committed to carry forward the work of the District. It has been her honor to work with this Board as well as the other two Board members who are no longer on the Board (Roy Yates, Paul Roberts).
Board member Petersen said he was very impressed with the two new employees introduced at the June 24 Board meeting, Helen Joung and Mary McDaniel. They were excited and proud to become a part of the District. Kudos go to Dr. Whitehead.
President Madsen adjourned the special Board meeting at 9:15 a.m..
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Carol Whitehead, Secretary Karen Madsen, President