01-04-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--January 4, 1993 979 According to State law, Mr. Goff said if a majority of the presidents of the school boards in the county cannot agree to the plan submitted by the county commissioners, both the presidents of the school boards and the board of county commissioners shall submit a plan to the Department of Public Instruction for resolution. The decision of the Superintendent of Public Instruction may be appealed to the State Board of Public School Education, whose decision shall be final. Summing up his comments, Mr. Goff said it appears questions presented to the county commission should be separated into two areas, 1) consider appointment of the candidate submitted by the presidents of the school boards, and 2) deal with the question of the original plan and amended plan concerning the position of Cass County superintendent of schools in 1993. Mr. Goff said there is nothing in the statute regarding the appointment that would prevent the county commission from delaying action for a reasonable time. He said the basis for delay would be to attempt to resolve the issue of which plan will be in effect as determined by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. MOTION, amended and passed Because of the conflict existing between the Board of Cass County Commissioners and the local school boards over the staffing of the office of the superintendent of schools, Mr. Risher moved and Mr. Ness seconded to attempt to resolve this dilemma as quickly as possible as outlined by the State's Attorney; and, further, that the county commission attempt to resolve this difference by discussing a resolution with the affected school boards as soon as possible. If an agreement can be reached on the part-time status, which is consistent with the county commission budget, we would appoint the part-time superintendent as recommended immediately. If, however, no resolution can be reached, then the county, through the office of the State's Attorney, and the local school boards, through their school master's association, shall submit their plan proposals to the Department of Public Instruction for resolution. Discussion: Mr. Wieland said he prefers appointing a superintendent of schools today on a part-time basis, as budgeted, and resolve the conflict on the plan as soon as possible. Mrs. Toussaint doesn't think an appointment should be made today because she is hopeful that commissioners can meet with school boards yet this week to see if it can be resolved. AMENDED MOTION, passed Mr. Risher moved and Mr. Eckert seconded to amend the above motion and appoint Bruce Hoefs effective immediately as part-time superintendent to fill the vacancy until such conflict is resolved. Discussion: Mr. Eckert said he talked to Bruce Hoefs about some issues that came up in the superintendent's office today that Mr. Hoefs dealt with. He said one of the issues was a fire inspection report that was not completed and had to be sent to the State Department of Public Instruction and the other issue was on a child abuse case, which he referred to Cass County Social Services. Mrs. Toussaint said such items can wait a few days. Mr. Ness doesn't think the commission should appoint a county superintendent until the issue of the plan is resolved.