BEDFORD - JANUARY 12, 2023 - The North Lawrence Community School board in a 5-2 voted to buyout one year of Dr. Ty Mungle's contract which is approximately $140,000.
Many attended this evening's North Lawrence Community School Board meeting Thursday night
Dr. James M. Halik, Ph. D. has been appointed Interim Superintendent who will begin on February 1, 2023. Dr. Halik did not want the position full time and will help the schoolboard guide their search for the next Superintendent. Dr. Steve Underwood will serve as temporary Superintendent until Dr. Halik starts on February 1, 2023.
Indiana law requires a Superintendent at all times.
Dr. James M. Halik Ph. D. Compass Consulting LLC, Founder/President was established in 1983.
The company provides school board in service Training, Motivational Keynote presentations, School District Leadership Training, strategic planning retreats, mentoring workshops, and climate audits for more than 227 clients.
Dr. Halik is married to Connie, a retired third grade teacher from Franklin Community School Corporation. They have three daughters Lindsay, (Kindergarten teacher), Jessica (Cosmetologist), Kristin (Kindergarten Teacher), and eight grandchildren.
His Education includes:
Ph.D. Indiana State University - Education Leadership
Ed S Ball State University - School Superintendency
M.S. Ball State University - Geology/Earth Science/Secondary Education, Principal License
B.S. Ball State University - Geology/Natural Resources/Earth Science/Marketing
His professional experience spans more than 45 years, college & university experience more than 30 years. and other experience 27 years. Dr. Halik is a member of several organizations and has received several honors and awards throughout his career.
North Lawrence Community School Board prepares for tonight's meeting, however at 6:35 p.m. the board went back into executive session and returned just before 7:00 p.m.
Kristen Collier and Tracy Bailey being the two no votes on the buying out of the contract. Collier stating that the school board is moving too quickly on this action.
In a 5-2 vote the school board then voted to place Assistant Superintendent Chris Tanner on paid administrative leave until February 10, 2023. Kristen Collier and Tracy Bailey being the no votes.
In other action:
Voted 7-0 for the appointment of an Interim Chief of Staff/Director of Human Resources to which Dr. Tanner was responsible for.
Voted 7-0 for the appointment of Dr. Steve Underwood as temporary Superintendent, Indiana Law requires a Superintendent at all times.
Voted to keep Pittman Law Firm on a one-year contract.
North Lawrence Education Association president and vice-president Lacy Hawkins and Logan Felts addressed the NLCS telling the school board members they are acting too quickly. The school board actions may have an impact on teacher contract negotiations which. begin in October.
The NLEA failed to enter into a two-year contract with the former school board last year. North Lawrence Community Schools have faced several teacher resignations over the last two years.
. NLCS among has among the lowest paid teachers, in the area. At this time, the school corporations have not been able to translate the consolidation into pay raises for schoolteachers.
NLCS operational costs continue to remain above 15 percent despite the closure of four elementary schools and middle schools. The capital improvement project was said not to have an impact on the school corporations' finances or affected the teachers' pay.
The education fund was reduced by more than $2 Million during this year's budget hearing.
Several from the public spoke during the tonight's meeting and we will have their comments in another segment.
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