Premature Re-Contractulation?

[EagleDad]

So, I just got the following via the district eNews official newsletter:

Dear District 204 Community,

The Board of Education is pleased to announce an agreement to extend Dr. Kathy Birkett's contract through June 30, 2014.

During Dr. Birkett's first two years as Superintendent, District 204 has achieved incredible results.

More students are meeting and exceeding state standards than ever before.
We earned an Aa1 financial rating, placing us in the top 10 percent of districts nationally.
Community members grading the district with an "A" or "B" increased from 76 percent to 87 percent.
We achieved these results while operating at the lowest cost per student of any school district in our county.
In reaching an agreement, it was important to both the Board and Dr. Birkett to be mindful of the current economic situation and respectful to taxpayers. We believe we achieved this goal. As part of the Board's continued commitment to transparency, you can access Dr. Birkett's contract online at www.ipsd.org once it has been signed.

We look forward to our continued partnership with Dr. Birkett. And, most importantly, we look forward to continuing to deliver results for our families and taxpayers.

Sincerely,

Curt Bradshaw, President
Alka Tyle, Vice President
Christine Vickers, Secretary
Dawn DeSart
Mark Metzger
Cathy Piehl
Susan Rasmus

The only problem, I see is that tonight there is a "special Board Meeting" 7PM at the Crouse center and the main agenda action item seems to be:
"Approval of the Extension of the Superintendent's Contract"

So which is it? Has the board already voted to approve the contract or not? A few parting board members wouldn't be trying to rush through a parting gift would they?

Also a little birdie told me tonight's board meeting might be a fun one, wish I could make it but alas I cannot.

[casey]

I thought the same thing when I got today's announcement! We all know it's a done deal but just the way it was handled seemed rather shady. Announce the extension before the vote?

Also, couldn't help but wonder why this needed to be accomplished before the new board was seated. Guess MM wanted to see his name on one last document. He's a huge KB fan so now he gets to put his rubber stamp on one last time. Yuck.

[doctorwho]

May 2, 2011 11:37:31 GMT -6 EagleDad said:

So, I just got the following via the district eNews official newsletter:

Dear District 204 Community,

The Board of Education is pleased to announce an agreement to extend Dr. Kathy Birkett's contract through June 30, 2014.

During Dr. Birkett's first two years as Superintendent, District 204 has achieved incredible results.

More students are meeting and exceeding state standards than ever before.
We earned an Aa1 financial rating, placing us in the top 10 percent of districts nationally.
Community members grading the district with an "A" or "B" increased from 76 percent to 87 percent.
We achieved these results while operating at the lowest cost per student of any school district in our county.
In reaching an agreement, it was important to both the Board and Dr. Birkett to be mindful of the current economic situation and respectful to taxpayers. We believe we achieved this goal. As part of the Board's continued commitment to transparency, you can access Dr. Birkett's contract online at www.ipsd.org once it has been signed.

We look forward to our continued partnership with Dr. Birkett. And, most importantly, we look forward to continuing to deliver results for our families and taxpayers.

Sincerely,

Curt Bradshaw, President
Alka Tyle, Vice President
Christine Vickers, Secretary
Dawn DeSart
Mark Metzger
Cathy Piehl
Susan Rasmus

The only problem, I see is that tonight there is a "special Board Meeting" 7PM at the Crouse center and the main agenda action item seems to be:
"Approval of the Extension of the Superintendent's Contract"

So which is it? Has the board already voted to approve the contract or not? A few parting board members wouldn't be trying to rush through a parting gift would they?

Also a little birdie told me tonight's board meeting might be a fun one, wish I could make it but alas I cannot.

but a number of us will be there tonite to start to usher in a new era of the end of the rubber stamp. One last fleecing of the flock for a few outgoing( don't let the door hit you in the ass ) members. Maybe before you could close on properties without appraisals and this contract extension w/o a vote was a foregone conclusion - but those days are ending soon. 1 more election and this crap ends.....

The real killer is many of these same people claim to be GOP members - yet they copy Madigan/Quinn to the tee in how they handle financial transactions. Remember that if any show up on your ballots in the not too distant future

[Arch]

A tip of the hat to Owen W. and Mr. Box this evening. Next time, feel free to say HI