By Laurel Droz
Staff Writer
Goodrich- Kimberly Hart has been officially ousted from her position as superintendent.
A vote of 6-1 placed Hart on administrative leave at a July 26 special meeting of the board of education. Trustee Michael Thorp dissented, citing cost issues with the decision.
Board President Michael Tripp did not give a reason for administrative leave and refused comment to reporters. Hart herself has said she is unaware of the reason for her dismissal.
‘It took me by surprise. I learned about the leave last week at the board meeting,? said Hart, adding, ‘I wish the board well.?
Thorp was also the lone dissenting vote in the decision to enter into closed session’meaning the public would be excluded from that portion of the meeting? for discussion regarding the leave. Hart objected, asking the discussion take place in public. William Albertson, an attorney with Thrun Law Firm, the firm representing the board, said Hart’s consent was unnecessary to enter into closed session.
‘The Open Meetings Act permits a (public body) to meet in closed session for a variety of reasons…? said Albertson. In this instance, closed session was entered into ‘to consider material that is exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal law.? Specifically, said Albertson, to discuss confidential attorney-client, written information. Had the closed session been requested for purpose of a personnel evaluation, Hart’s consent would have been required in most instances, said Albertson.
The decision to place Hart on leave comes on the heels of several setbacks for Hart, including a lukewarm review from the board and tensions with the teacher’s union and their sympathizers concerning contract issues. However, Hart’s contract was recently extended until March 22, 2008.
The board appointed Larry Allen, former superintendent for Mt. Morris schools, as interim superintendent. Allen will not receive benefits, but will be paid the same salary as Hart? $119,000 per year, or about $2,288 per week. Hart, too, will continue to receive this salary, causing Thorp to express frustration at the way taxpayer dollars are being spent in this situation.
‘We are paying two superintendents at the same time,? said Thorp.
‘Why is it necessary to take action tonight? There are no allegations, no laws broken, I just don’t see a cause here to let (Hart) go.?
Hart’s attorney, Julia Black of Grand Blanc, spoke to the press following the meeting. ‘Nowhere in her contract could she be placed on administrative leave,? said Black.
It was unknown as of press time if Hart inteneded to file charges against the district.