Nearly 100 people filled the Chapman USD 473 Board of Education meeting room Monday evening to show their support for Superintendent of Schools Lacee Sell.
In January the Board voted not to extend her contract by one year, meaning her current contract expires in June of 2017.
Those who spoke want the Board to reconsider that decision. District employee Ron Jones said some of the words he had heard about that decision ranged from unbelievable and unreal to devastated and shocked. “I had heard second-hand that one Board member couldn’t believe that this was that big of a deal. I would just ask that Board member what school district you’ve been representing? To not have a better feel for the patrons you represent is unbelievable to me.”
Jones compared this situation to the 2008 tornado that hit Chapman. “Both have been destructive. The difference is this storm was man made and unnecessary. The morale has suffered and the district has been given a black eye. I respectfully ask that you put your egos and personal agendas in your back pocket, and address this issue again.”
Chapman High School student Jacob Stoneberger said he wanted to discuss the renewal of Sell’s contract on behalf of the student body at the high school. “I and many others including students, parents and other constituents of USD 473 question the legitimacy of not renewing the two-year contract of Mrs. Sell. Although there may be a hidden agenda that many are not aware of I believe there should be an open communication from the Board to the patrons of the school district.”
Typically school boards cannot comment publicly on personnel matters or discussions that were held during executive session.
Chapman Elementary School cook Amy Bliesner said upon learning about the Board’s decision she wondered why was the decision made without letting the people of USD 473 and the community know why. “I thought why not support Lacee and see what we could do to keep her two-year contract and extend her past the 2017 year. ” Bliesner reported on the results of a petition that was circulated, saying there were more than 270 signatures “from the community and from the school.”
All of the speakers on the subject received strong applause from the audience attending the meeting. The Board of Education listened to the public but took no action Monday evening.
On whether the Board can take another vote on the issue BOE President Judd Liebau noted he was uncertain Monday evening and would have to check. “I know that there are some timing restrictions when it comes to administrative personnel. ” Liebau added, “As far as we’re concerned right now as far as I know the next time we deal with this is a year from the last time we dealt with it.” That would be in January of 2017.
The Board vote last month not to extend Sell’s contract was 5-2. Liebau was one of the members who voted in favor of an extension.
Lacee Sell told JC Post she was thankful for the support that was shown. She called it heartwarming, “It helps me continue to know that the work that I am doing is the right work for the right reasons and for the right people.” Sell added she is hopeful the issue will come back up before the Board again. She noted she would like to receive an extension, make whatever improvements are necessary, and would like to continue serving as superintendent of Chapman USD 473.