burnet44
07-14-2007, 08:28 PM
Trustees to discuss options Monday.
By Molly Bloom
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, July 13, 2007
Wimberley school district trustees are considering the possible resignation of Superintendent Marian Strauss three months after some residents demanded it.
At their Monday night meeting, trustees plan to meet behind closed doors to consider entering into a resignation agreement with Strauss. They also could appoint an interim superintendent.
The move comes after a group of Wimberley residents urged the board in March to fire Strauss for what they said was her emphasis on athletics over academics, missteps in two failed bond votes, unwillingness to listen to those with different points of view and low teacher salaries.
Neither Strauss nor board President Melissa Young returned calls seeking comment Thursday. Other board members declined to discuss the topic of the superintendent's resignation until Monday's board meeting.
Strauss, 53, has served as superintendent since 1999. Her current $106,347-a-year contract is set to expire in June 2011. Under the terms, Strauss may resign at the end of a school year without penalty if she submits her resignation at least 45 days before the first day of school in the upcoming school year. Strauss would have to submit her letter of resignation by today to meet that deadline.
The superintendent's secretary said Thursday that she had not received a letter of resignation from Strauss. The school's administrative offices are closed today, she said.
In response to criticism of Strauss earlier this year, many residents spoke publicly in her support. At a March school board meeting, mother Kathy Gold praised Strauss and the district's staff for giving her children "every opportunity to excel." At the same meeting, Strauss's adult son Jeremy Fikac gave a tearful speech in support of his mother.
Wimberley in 2005-06 was named a "recognized" district, the second-highest level in state accountability rankings. About 28 percent of schools were rated "recognized" statewide in 2005. The district had a graduation rate of 96 percent in 2005, and mean SAT scores were well above state and regional averages, according to the Texas Education Agency.
Charles Peterson, a Wimberley resident who has organized opposition to Strauss, said he was pleased to learn that the school board was considering her resignation.
"I think she's worn out her welcome here," Peterson said.
By Molly Bloom
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, July 13, 2007
Wimberley school district trustees are considering the possible resignation of Superintendent Marian Strauss three months after some residents demanded it.
At their Monday night meeting, trustees plan to meet behind closed doors to consider entering into a resignation agreement with Strauss. They also could appoint an interim superintendent.
The move comes after a group of Wimberley residents urged the board in March to fire Strauss for what they said was her emphasis on athletics over academics, missteps in two failed bond votes, unwillingness to listen to those with different points of view and low teacher salaries.
Neither Strauss nor board President Melissa Young returned calls seeking comment Thursday. Other board members declined to discuss the topic of the superintendent's resignation until Monday's board meeting.
Strauss, 53, has served as superintendent since 1999. Her current $106,347-a-year contract is set to expire in June 2011. Under the terms, Strauss may resign at the end of a school year without penalty if she submits her resignation at least 45 days before the first day of school in the upcoming school year. Strauss would have to submit her letter of resignation by today to meet that deadline.
The superintendent's secretary said Thursday that she had not received a letter of resignation from Strauss. The school's administrative offices are closed today, she said.
In response to criticism of Strauss earlier this year, many residents spoke publicly in her support. At a March school board meeting, mother Kathy Gold praised Strauss and the district's staff for giving her children "every opportunity to excel." At the same meeting, Strauss's adult son Jeremy Fikac gave a tearful speech in support of his mother.
Wimberley in 2005-06 was named a "recognized" district, the second-highest level in state accountability rankings. About 28 percent of schools were rated "recognized" statewide in 2005. The district had a graduation rate of 96 percent in 2005, and mean SAT scores were well above state and regional averages, according to the Texas Education Agency.
Charles Peterson, a Wimberley resident who has organized opposition to Strauss, said he was pleased to learn that the school board was considering her resignation.
"I think she's worn out her welcome here," Peterson said.