Decision set Nov.15: Colfax school board considering fate of superintendent

Under public pressure to resign, Colfax School Superintendent Michael Morgan told the Gazette Tuesday that decision is now in the hands of the school board.

“It is the board’s responsibility to choose who they want. If they are interested in me continuing, then it’s back in my ball park for me to decide,” Supt. Morgan said.

A faction of the school district called for the resignation of the superintendent next June at a 59-strong meeting Monday night, coupled with another’s groups equally passionate call for him to stay.

Board chairman Brian Becker Tuesday issued a press release vowing the board would “come to a conclusion with all board members present” at their Nov. 15 board meeting.

The press release followed the heated Monday night meeting in which 59 school staff members, parents and residents met in the school library to hear 20 minutes of comment on the controversy.

Those in strong support of the superintendent wore yellow paper ribbons passed out by Bob Lothspeich, a long-time chair of committee efforts in support of past levy campaigns.

The last school year for the district saw a failed school levy, $300,000 in budget cuts, a disgruntled staff and other controversies such as the dismantling and subsequent reinstallation of the school’s Knowledge Bowl program. A reduced levy proposal was later approved by district voters.

The dissident group, represented by Mike Morgan and Sue Doering, said they were taking action now to call for Supt. Morgan’s resignation because this is the time of year for school superintendents to make career decisions.

Mike Morgan is the district’s bands director, athletic director and football coach. Doering teaches physcial education and coaches the volleyball team.

“The morale is really low behind staff,” Doering told the board. “I don’t know if this can be healed if he stays.” Doering said her feelings were shared by as many as 30 members of the school staff.

Retired JES teacher Brenda Kneeshaw read a statement which said the board should know Supt. Morgan has the support of many parents, staff and residents. Kneeshaw pointed out the dissenting group does not represent every one in the district and added she didn’t support their protest or the method by which they were protesting.

High school teacher Cathy White sat next to Kneeshaw and also spoke in support of Supt. Morgan.

School board members and Supt. Morgan Monday did not respond to comments from the audience. Becker announced before the meeting that personnel issues would be discussed in executive session. The board called an hour of executive session after the meeting finished, and Becker announced “no action” would be taken during or after the closed door session.

One board member, Rob Smith, was unable to attend Monday’s meeting.

Members of the dissident group also met for their own session in the high school band room after the board meeting. They later announced they believed they were working for the long range interest of the district and would continue to pursue their effort.

Mike Morgan said after the board session the group of staff and parents conducted a meeting last Monday, Oct. 18, with the superintendent and board members Brian Becker and Kathy Wride. He said they asked the superintendent if he intended to renew his contract for the 2011-12 school year.

Mike Morgan said the superintendent has indicated several times he would resign. He explained he and others became concerned as fall wore on because Supt. Morgan hadn’t turned in a resignation. The aim of the Oct. 18 meeting was to determine where the superintendent stood on renewing his contract for the 2011-2012 school year, Mike Morgan said.