To be hired to serve two days a week during Lisa Shellum’s FMLA
The Butterfield-Odin Public School (B-OPS) School Board unanimously decided at a Thursday evening, September 3 special board meeting to hire an acting superintendent to serve the school district – but split on a vote to have that acting superintendent on duty two days a week. The acting superintendent will be filling in while current B-OPS Superintendent Lisa Shellum takes a FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) for up to 12 weeks. However, they did come back together in the selection of a possible candidate to fill the post during the time span.
As Superintendent Shellum has already begun her leave, B-OPS K-12 Principal Barry Schmidt has picked up all of the principal duties of Shellum in addition to his own. “What we need,” Principal Schmidt shared at the meeting, “is someone to do the day-to-day duties of a superintendent – the authority to ‘sign’ as the representative of the school district, address the paperwork, handle the levy meeting, etc.”
Principal Schmidt, who has his superintendent certification and licensure, stressed that, “It doesn’t matter from which end that help and support comes – whether it is as a Dean of Students on the back end to support me as superintendent, or as someone who comes in to fill in for the superintendent on the front end. The kids have to be the priority.”
B-OPS Board Chair Joel Penner had posted the opening on the Minnesota School Board Association’s (MSBA) job site, and had received eight letters of interest. “It all depends on what you (school board) wants ‘it’ (school district administration) to look like. It is required by law to have a superintendent.”
Board Member Kristy Haseman voiced her support for Principal Schmidt moving up to take the acting superintendent position during Superintendent Shellum’s leave. Board Member Renae Meyer echoed that support, saying that she thought Barry (Principal Schmidt) would move up to the position.
Principal Schmidt himself stated that he believed he could do the job, “But I don’t want to be micromanaged and I want board support.”
On a motion by Board Member Leon Wenner, seconded by Board Member Andy Pierson, the board voted 4-3 (Board Members Tammy Wolle, Wenner, Pierson and Penner in favor, Board Members Diane Peterson, Haseman and Meyer opposed), to hire the acting superintendent for two days a week.
Penner then presented the list of eight candidates, with Principal Schmidt requesting to add his application to the listing.
Board Member Diane Peterson expressed concern over what would be the most cost-effective way of setting up the administration during this time period.
Board Member Andy Pierson extended his opinion that the school needed Principal Schmidt at his principal position; that keeping him in that post was best for the students and the school.
At this point, Principal Schmidt withdrew his name for consideration, stating that, “I don’t want to get in the fight.”
In looking over the names of those who submitted applications, Board Chair Penner noted one in particular; an applicant who had the endorsement of B-OPS School Counselor Tami Samuelson. In addition, Superintendent Shellum promoted the candidate, noting that he would fit in well with the students. She also stressing that she would be just a phone call or e-mail away. “I won’t let this place fall apart,” she stated.
There was unanimous agreement by board members on a motion by Pierson and second by Peterson, to interview Candidate #4 – Allen Hoffman, retired former superintendent at Comfrey Public School. Hoffman still resides in Comfrey.
Assisting the school board in this procedure is School Attorney Larry Rupp and MSBA’s Bill Kautt, who has been assigned to work with members as a “board in distress.”
Contingent on Hoffman’s calendar, the board scheduled a whole board interview with the prospective acting superintendent on Tuesday, September 8, at 5 p.m., in the Media Center.
