School Board Member Says Resignations are 'Disturbing'

One of the newest members is concerned with the number of resignations the Board was asked to approve Monday.

Russ Spahn, , would like a chance to speak with the outgoing district employees to get their take on why they’re leaving.

On Monday, the Board approved five resignations, , and those of four teachers.

“This is disturbing to see this many people leave,” Spahn said.

Spahn asked if those leaving were given exit interviews. Superintendent Conrad Farner said just about all of them spoke with either building administrators, assistant superintendent Todd Bugnacki or him before leaving, but said they were not formal interviews.

He added this time of year the district receives a number of resignations for a variety of reasons.

“I wouldn’t classify this as disturbing,” Farner told Spahn. “We have about this many resignations every year.”

Board member Pam Sierzchulski said the resignation letters of all outgoing employees were included in the Board’s meeting packet and that four of them gave reasons for leaving in those letters.

“It wasn’t a mass exodus. It was personal reasons,” Sierzchulski said.

But Spahn wasn’t satisfied. He said as a before becoming a Board member, he’s familiar with resignation letters and wants more information.

“I often read those and typically what they’re writing is as professional as possible for their future, and not necessarily all the facts,” Spahn said. “I’d like to hear personally from those folks. Writing is nice, but I’d like to talk to them.”