School Board debate lingers

Members to discuss Howell's future

Thursday, August 9, 2007

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Donna Howell's tenure

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Yampa Valley Housing Authority director Donna Howell

Steamboat Springs — Steamboat Springs School Board members made it clear that Superintendent Donna Howell's job is on the line heading into a special board meeting Friday.

The special meeting was announced Wednesday. The 8 a.m. meeting opens with an executive, or secret, session "for purposes of discussing a personnel matter involving the superintendent."

School Board President Denise Connelly would not rule out firing Howell.

"We are considering some options; she is considering some options," said Connelly when asked whether Howell would be fired Friday. "I think she would be the one to talk about what's happening next, rather than us. She has more of that leeway than we do as far as personnel matters."

Howell declined to comment Tuesday on her job status and she was unavailable for comment Wednesday to discuss Friday's secret session.

Board Member Jeff Troeger said Friday's meeting is a continuation of Tuesday's secret session, which also was a meeting to discuss Howell. Troeger said "your instincts are good" when asked if Friday's meeting might be the end of Howell's tenure as superintendent.

The School Board met Tuesday with the district's lawyer, Dick Lyons, for nearly two hours without Howell to discuss the superintendent prior to a policy governance workshop led by Jim Weigel.

Weigel, a training consultant with the Colorado Association of School Boards, said the School Board has clear choices.

"They can either wait the two years until (Howell's) contract is up, they can fire her and pay her off, or three, they can fire and prepare for a lawsuit," said Weigel, who has worked with the board and Howell in recent months to review the district's model of policy governance, particularly how it relates to the roles of the board and superintendent. Weigel attended Tuesday's School Board workshop but was not part of the executive session with board members.

During a break in the executive session, Connelly excused herself and was asked by Weigel how the board was proceeding with Howell. She said they were "weighing pros and cons."

"They need to look at how the district has performed to evaluate a superintendent," Weigel said. "If the district is meeting their expectations, then the superintendent is performing well. All the other personal things about the superintendent don't matter. Obviously, for (the School Board), it still does."

Weigel cautioned replacing Howell would be hindered by the School Board's treatment of the superintendent.

"The way you treat whoever your current superintendent is affects who will be your next one - it's a real tight community among superintendents," he said.

"They have to get through whatever emotional thoughts they have with Donna (Howell) and the superintendent (position) in general. Things are going to happen, things are going to appear as one way versus another, but you have to move on. I don't know too many perfect superintendents."

Ann Muhme, the district's assistant to the superintendent, said she, along with other administrative team members, plan to attend Friday's meeting.

"We don't know what's going to happen, but we want to be there," said Muhme, who noted she didn't know the number of administrators who plan on attending the executive session.

Connelly would not comment on why the board planned an executive session for Friday when an executive session could have been held during Monday's regularly scheduled School Board meeting.

"I don't know how urgent it is," she said. "We wanted to make sure we did get the meeting announced. We can always get it canceled if things don't come about that we need to talk about."

- To reach Mike McCollum, call 871-4208

or e-mail mmccollum@steamboatpilot.com

More like this story

SteamboatJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

Let's just have John be the super for free if they have to pay her off, he would love that. Don't be mistaken, whoever they line up for the interim will be his puppet.

Gadfly 5 years, 10 months ago

Good luck finding another superintendent when word gets out about how we treated the last two.

Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 10 months ago

When it comes to light how the last 2 Superintendents acted, I don't think we'll have a problem finding a new one. Quit sucking on the sour grapes and move on.

bikegirl 5 years, 10 months ago

Great way to start the school year BOE- There are Major building projects to be seen through ,not to mention the leadership that staff,students and parents need to move forward.This district is falling apart.

autumnwitch 5 years, 10 months ago

If you really were concerned about how the last two acted, there are board minutes that go way back. I was there for many of them, were you?

steamboatsconscience 5 years, 10 months ago

Look for her to be fired and not paid off. There will be inquires into the collusion of the former board in her contract extension. Ex board members: better dig the holes you are hiding in a lot deeper, you will be exposed.

SteamboatJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

It is hard to argue against the points Jim Weigel makes in this article.

Hammurabi 5 years, 10 months ago

This is yet another example of the poor leadership from the board. Fire Howell and pay the remainder of the contract, $400k. Fire her without compensation $????k for attorneys and treble damages + attorney's fees if the courts find in her favor. Loss to the community in dollars that could be spent on our children:priceless!

jlkar 5 years, 10 months ago

Are ethical superintendants that hard to come by? I sure hope not.

beagle 5 years, 10 months ago

Sure, Joe.

steamboatsconscience 5 years, 10 months ago

As Warren once said "Send lawyers guns and money.........." I think we all know the next line......... RIP

autumnwitch 5 years, 10 months ago

To the Board: The public is watching you. If you don't really care if you are reelected when the time comes, continue on the path you are on. There is no room in your positions for power trips, but it seems the welfare of the district and it's students is truly not in your interests and you are not representing the people who voted you into these positions. Keep showing your constituents that you are all a bunch of petty, vindictive pawns. Nice work.

SteamboatJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

Enlighten us on the unethical behaviors of the past two superintendents Matthew. You must not know much about the communication between superintendents.

The district will need to name a new super, a nutritional services director, and a grant writer while supporting a new SPE principal and curriculum director and a SCE staff and students in a temporary facility.

Mark McHale was smarter than we all thought. At least he left this pitiful excuse for a school district and promoted his career. Wonder how many teachers will find a new direction or not even look this way to begin with.

What will it take to get the parents in this community to take a stand for their kids?

Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 10 months ago

SteamboatJoe- Simms transgressions are archived in the Pilot website, including her tirades against teachers, parents, and others. Howell's transgressions included sneaking into a Principal's office in the dead of night and making up multiple, different excuses for doing so, all of which were debunked. Also, for not retrieving the emails from Stephenson when the law about the emails from the Arapahoe County case. These are the things that all the SOS people with blinders let slip from memory.

As for Hammurabi's "poor leadership" rant, the current board isn't the one who put the big money clause in Howell's contract. That was the past board's mistake, as were the crappy contracts that MacHale was on the receiving end of.

Pc 5 years, 10 months ago

School Board: Why not work with Howell? Establish the roles and responsibilities as you are working to do. Are you "big" enough to admit your own mistakes and work this out? Where is the leadership? Or are you all John D's puppets?

bikegirl 5 years, 10 months ago

Denise Connelly could have, and should have asked for John's resignation months ago,Now he has total control of the board.I have lost respect for the entire board,and I don't trust any of their decisions.What a mess!!!!!!!!

cookie 5 years, 10 months ago

Right on Sara! Looks like it's time to go back to school and get your law degree. I'm proud to know you - and your family.

Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 10 months ago

So what SteamboatJoe is saying is that the next Super will be D's puppet instead of Howell being the past board's puppet. What's the difference?

JustSomeJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

Seems like John acting as temporary super is what is being considered. Perhaps now he will resign from the board and take Donna's place. No one could do it better, right?

If they fire her without paying out the contract, we will see lawsuits for a while. Their own investigator said Donna didn't violate any procedures, everything she did was within her rights as superintendent. Say what you will about the motives, as you will of course. Sad state of affairs at the SSSD.

Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 10 months ago

JustSomeJoe-

By Howell's own admissions (go back and read the PDF) she gave 3 different reasons for checking a computer that she had the right to check...and all 3 reasons were debunked by others pertaining to the reasons. That meant she lied when having no reason to lie. Why would a person lie when they have no reason to do so?

beagle 5 years, 10 months ago

The plot hatched by Gleason, Stephenson, Gill, et al really backfired. Swiping the e-mails and handing them off to the Pilot was supposed to protect Howell and get rid of Dr. D. Instead it exposed Howell and made it extremely difficult for the board to work with her. That along with the foolish 4-year contract they gave her is what really caused this mess.

JustSomeJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

Beagle - I guess John's behavior and actions were just normal, everyday actions we should expect out of our school administrators and school board members? No winners here, no matter who is declaring themselves the winner of this debacle. Quite the pyhrric victory, we certainly can't afford another one like it.

Susie Gruben 5 years, 10 months ago

I don't think as a district we can afford (monetarily or practically) a new superintendent. As Bikegirl said, we have major building projects happening as well as major district administrative positions being filled with hopefuls. We need leadership, and it certainly isn't coming from the BOE. Truly, the lack of organization in the Steamboat School District is quite sad considering its size and well-educated staff. What is truly important is educating the children well, and isn't that being done? I believe that we have phenomenal CSAP scores that reflect that. Now as a district, we need to look towards the future of a certain level of organization and understanding of policy. If Donna Howell is fired tomorrow (as was eluded to in the article), I can guarantee that the 2007-2008 school year will be comprised on many different levels. We need leadership, and we need to know that elected officials as well as hired administrators can work together and solve past disagreements or misjudgements. Bottom line is that the district and the BOE are setting a poor example for the children of Steamboat Springs. If it is going to take $400,000 plus legal costs for the BOE to resolve this by firing Donna, then I think we need to think twice about who we elect in upcoming elections.

elphaba 5 years, 10 months ago

Here's the prediction - No qualified superintendent will take over this mess so Dr. D. will don his white hat and ride in to save our schools........King - like he wanted all along.

SteamboatJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

bingo! This should be one hell of a year, not to mention the $$$$$$ spent on finding a qualified candidate in a national search. I already pity the fool who takes the job.

Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 10 months ago

Well, maybe D as Superintendent will be for the best. Maybe you've given him an idea where he will be paid an extraordinary amount for his service instead of Board pay and isn't subject to a failing recall. Then, you all will get panties in a bunch, ask for his resignation or to have him fired. Unfortunately, he may try to get that sweet contract clause that Howell was given from the last board. Congratulations! Beware what you make fun of, since it might just come true. You've probably just made it easier to keep D in the School District!

Elphaba- Is Howell the current "King" since she's currently Superintendent? Or is that term only reserved for those you dislike? Remember: it's the same position, so he'd have to answer to the same people that Howell answers to.

Enjoy the sour grapes. Make sure to wash it down with sour whine.

SteamboatJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

Matthew, go to the meeting in the morning at 8:30 and voice your opinions during public comment like the rest of us.

Get a pulse for how the community feels. You were doing such a nice job straddling the fence. When did Dr. D pull you over to his green pastures?

bikegirl 5 years, 10 months ago

Steamboat Joe-thanks for suggesting that Matthew attend the meeting tommorrow.I urge anyone to make a comment,if they are able to go to this meeting.Some people just don't see the whole picture here,there is a Long history of Dr.D causing problems,it just keeps on going.Until we have a strong board with the maturity to work with a superintendent for the greater good of the community we are going nowhere.Power tripping,egocentric behavior dominates our board right now.The division among staff is an extremely negative tone in which to begin a new school year.WE have wonderful kids ,teachers and families that deserve much better .

Matthew Stoddard 5 years, 10 months ago

He didn't pull me over. It's just obvious to me that D might read this site, since he did actually post at the end of the recall. You give your opponent ammunition posting it all here. Just like with the recall, D didn't have to say a word but he did invite people to meetings with him. All the trash talk came from people on this site (on both sides) and D didn't have to do a thing and the recall failed. Now, the talk has started again and D isn't saying anything. He wasn't even quoted in this article, and yet this is still about him and "puppets."

Plus, the public already spoke. There weren't enough people on the recall that bothered to make sure their information was correct or legal. I'm just saying all the sour grapes talk only enboldens your opponent. Since the recall failed, he's sitting higher above that pasture than before. Why play a hand in this forum before playing it before Dr. D?

As for an 8:30am meeting tomorrow, I'll be cleaning my house before work. Maybe mowing, but that may wait til Sunday.

beagle 5 years, 10 months ago

Joe - you hardly in a position to tell Matthew to "voice your opinions during public comment like the rest of us" when he's using his real name and you're just joe although clearly you were a big part of the e-mail heist and failed recall attempt.

SteamboatJoe 5 years, 10 months ago

beagle must not be a hunting dog...... wrong trail but it is interesting to be accused of being with/from "the evil" crew.

Hammurabi 5 years, 10 months ago

Look at the real world of education outside of little old Steamboat Springs. There isn't a superintendent in the outside world who works, at the level we expect for our system, for short term contract. I expect that most contracts are for longer than the one Howell signed. It is a highly professional field and the concurrent compensation/contract is standard for this level of expertise. It is my guess that the board will have to incur the additional expense of finding a retired superintendent to serve in the interm in order to keep the district in compliance with state requirements. This will probably include salary and living expenses until a costly professional search is completed and a new superintendent is hired. Remember, we will get what we pay for.

dimwitiguess 5 years, 10 months ago

I hope ol' D does ride in with his white hat and saves the district! Wouldn't that stop the whining. The blogs have been fairly quiet until now and there's ol' D taking hits again from the slackers. He did stay very quiet through all of this. He hasn't condemned anyone and has been somewhat gracious.

If I were one of the other board members I would be insulted by the comments posted here. Some of you insinuate they are puppets? You read the report, you had a chance to be a little more objective but it's the same old song four months later. Someone please bump the record needle, I think it is stuck.

One thing I'll bet on: this board won't argue with everyone who has a negative remark tomorrow like Stephenson, Gill, Havener, Gleason, Fisher, and some of the others did in the past.

Wait a minute, I think I just named some of the recall committee elite, but then again, I'm just a dimwitiguess.

dimwitiguess 5 years, 10 months ago

Sara K. Gleason,

It is unfortunate that you posted what you had on the internet in a public blog here on the Pilot blog. It is also unfortunate that I had to go to work before I could respond.

I want to let you know that John DeVincentis is a friend of mine. What people say on this blog has thus far been yapping and degrading talk. I have participated in some of that through sarcasm. But there is a limit (even though it has been tested a lot lately by many) to what you can write. Yes, you have freedom of speech, but you have made specific accustations for which you now need evidence. I believe many of your remarks are legally slanderous and libelous.

I think at the least you owe an apology to John and see how he deals with that. You have been led to think that anyone can do or say anything to destroy anyone's reputation.

I wish you would have shared your writing with your parents before putting it on a public site. I hope they would have told you those are very serious accusations and there are legal ramifications.

And now, I need to let you know that I copied your blog comments, and I will give them to John. I suggest you do something immediately to begin to help your cause. I'm sorry but your personal connection got in the way of reasoning.

All good people do things they wish they wouldn't have done. John has said that about himself. He is a good person who will learn from all of this. I assume you are a good person and have made a grievous error in judgment, just like John.

I hope you will address this in a way that is truly intended to say you were wrong, and if you have no facts and evidence for your charges, that you say that publicly.

dimwitiguess