ABOVE: Director of Human Resources Kim Pabst (center) led the meeting in place of Interim Superintendent John Hart, absent due to a family matter.
In their first full meeting Wednesday night (May 28th), the new Danville District 118 School Board wasted no time taking action seemingly aimed at the previous board, as well as outgoing superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis. First, a recommendation was approved to pursue a finance external audit; looking at issues such as possible misuse of funds by administrators, as well as possible open meetings violations by board members. Current board president Darlene Halloran says, that’s at least where it all would start; once the board selects an auditor.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: We don’t have a specific fiscal auditor yet. This authorization to move forward; we will be selecting somebody to come in and do that audit.
Board member Toni Towne, who had pursued legal action concerning Dr. Geddis’ separation agreement before Towne took her elected seat in the board, was pleased with the vote taken.
A packed house at 118 Board meeting for Dr. David L Fields Excellence in Teaching Awards night.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I am very happy. I think it’s a thought that a lot of people had, but we weren’t sure who could execute that. So, we’re happy that we are able to do that now.
Prior to the separation agreement with Dr. Geddis being passed by the previous board, there were questions of where the absent Dr. Geddis was actually living. Halloran emphasized, however, that the new Administrative Residency Policy passed by the board Wednesday, requiring administrators to live within 15 miles of the school district, was more for the future.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: It just gives us an opportunity to look at potential candidates, that live within that parameter, to be able to fill the superintendent’s position.
Interim Superintendent John Hart was absent from Wednesday evening’s meeting due to a family matter.
Meanwhile, board member Pastor Thomas Miller has submitted his resignation. Darlene Halloran said applications will be taken for the open position through June 13th, interviews will begin June 18th. Halloran says she just wants someone to help move the district forward.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I would like a responsible member who is community driven; who believes in transparency.
Dr. David L. Fields Excellence in Teaching Award winners: (1st Picture) Intermediate winner Jennifer Rambole from Kenneth D. Bailey Academy is introduced by Bailey Academy principal Mitzi Campbell. (2nd Picture) Elementary winner Carrie Waterman (third from right) is hugged by Edison School principal Kristin Shanks. (3rd Picture) High School winner Bethany Free is introduced by DHS principal Jacob Bretz.
At the start of Wednesday evening’s meeting, the Danville Public School Foundation presented its annual Dr. David L. Fields Excellence in teaching awards. The primary teaching honor went to Carrie Waterman from Edison School; the intermediate teaching honor to Jennifer Rambole from Kenneth D. Bailey Academy; and the high school teaching honor to DHS’ Bethany Free.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON DISTRICT 118 BOARD MEETING, PLEASE GO TO JENNIFER BAILEY’S ARTICLE IN NEWS-GAZETTE https://www.news-gazette.com/news/danville-school-board-approves-broader-financial-audit-expands-superintendent-residency-requirement/article_8158e4cb-91e0-4b75-a14b-947a5dc0a583.html
