The Mineral Point School Board met Monday morning, July 2 to discuss transition planning regarding the notification of resignation of Superintendent Dr. Luke Francois last Wednesday, June 27. (Scroll past the video for more article text)
Dr. Francois is departing to become the Executive Director of Business Services with the Sauk Prairie School District.
Board member Kelly Gundlach wished to act on the resignation of Dr. Francois before proceeding with discussion regarding the transition. The item was set for action at the July 16 regular board meeting.
Voting in favor of accepting the resignation Monday morning were Gundlach, Larry Steffes, Nate Chambers, and Jeff Basting. Voting against were Everett Lindsey, Andy Busch, and Aaron Dunn.
Francois then followed up with a question to the Board, believing the next step is to decide if he is to assist with the transition in any way, or if the resignation is effective immediately.
The Board convened to closed session to discuss compensation for Dr. Francois during the transition, should they desire to have him assist.
Following closed session, the Board voted unanimously in favor of posting the position publicly to seek applicants.
The Board then re-convened in closed session to seek legal counsel.
Upon re-convening in open session again, the Board took action on extending Dr. Francois’ contract for 30 days (with the possibility of 30 additional beyond that). They would notify Dr. Francois by July 25 if they wish him to carry on for the additional 30 days. This passed by a 5-1 vote with Gundlach voting no. Dunn had left the meeting.
Dr. Francois then followed up with a few questions for the Board regarding what details and requirements they would like to include in their posting.
Based on their responses desiring to cast the widest net possible for applicants, the Superintendent position has been posted to the State’s Wisconsin Education Career Access Network and the link can be found here with more information: https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/Vacancy/38594
The Board then discussed holding a meeting prior to the regular meeting July 16 to discuss what qualities they would like to see in the next Superintendent.
It was decided that meeting will take place Monday, July 9 at 6:30 pm. The public is invited. The Board also expressed a desire to have a survey in the near future of the community regarding what they wish to see from their next school district leader. The agenda notice for this meeting can be found here: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1000874&mk=50293614
Other business:
— The Board unanimously approved the hiring of Elizabeth Walter as Middle School Special Education Teacher.