Superintendent Todd Carlson’s resignation had nothing to do with his relationship with the School Board, according to the board president.
Julie Van Dyck said at Tuesday night’s board meeting that Carlson had met privately with her Aug. 25, to tell her that he was thinking of resigning.
She said the news took her by surprise.
Van Dyck said Carlson told her he had applied for the superintendent position in Gillett because it was his hometown, and it would put him closer to elderly and disabled family members.
“Last spring, he had expressed concerns to me about the Gillett School District and that they might have to fold,” Van Dyck said. “He never mentioned problems with the board, with me. There was more a concern about taking on another challenge and helping his hometown.
Because Gary Cumberland was next in the chain of command, Van Dyck asked Carlson to speak with Cumberland to see if he was willing to step in the role of interim superintendent. Carlson told Van Dyck on Aug. 26 that Cumberland was interested, she said, and Van Dyck met with Cumberland for two hours later that day.
Van Dyck called for an emergency board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 to consider Carlson’s resignation, but Carlson sent an email to most of the district’s staff before the meeting announcing his plans to leave the district.
Prior to that meeting, Carlson also had asked for more time, until Sept. 3, to reconsider his move. The board gave him 24 hours, and Carlson opted to leave.
Van Dyck said she had invited Carlson to speak at Tuesday’s meeting, but he did not attend.
Several community members voiced their support of Carlson and criticized the board at Tuesday’s meeting.
Terry Hilgenberg, owner of Hilgenberg Realty, said Carlson’s leadership contributed to the quality educational atmosphere of Shawano.
“You may not be aware of it, but the decision you make tonight will have a profound impact on our community, and the biggest asset our families have — their home,” Hilgenberg said.
Chuck Dallas urged the board to deny Carlson’s resignation, saying the atmosphere in the wake of his departure might discourage quality administrators from applying for the position.
“I think petty politics and micromanaging has cost us a good administrator,” Dallas said. “I think you need to revisit your role as a board member. You’re elected to be a leader, not a manager.”
Van Dyck said that despite the disappointing outcome, the board would continue working with administrators to continue providing the best education possible for students.
Categories
