Download the audio here
16MB - No copyright-.mp4 so should play anywhere. Brave? Download the 64MB one here.
We were unable to record video at this meeting.
________
I don't want to be responsible for spelling errors or anything else.
___
The meeting started at 5:04.
Kathy LaSota from the Ohio School Board Association (OBSA) gave a wonderful presentation on the treasurer search. Kathy was a breath of fresh air in that room. Kathy talked to the board and walked them through the process of searching for a new treasurer.
She started out detailing the potential timeline. The goal will be to have a new treasurer by December 16. Once they get the information from the district they intend to begin the search on September 1. There will be no focus groups or forums. They will screen the applicants in house. They intend to pull out the best candidates for the board and present them for screening at a future meeting. The OSBA said that they wanted to narrow the field down to 10 people. Larry Sykes wondered if that would be too much. He said 5 would be reasonable. Larry wanted the OSBA to work with the committee. He said he wanted to get someone in ASAP.
Kathy said that she wanted to present the recommendations to the board.
Darlene said they were jumping the gun.
They scheduled the next meeting for 10/25 at 5 PM to look at the candidates.
Kathy said that each candidate would have 5 reference forms.
Robert Torres asked if they have a stable of candidates or how many candidates could they guarantee to apply.
Kathy said they could not guarantee a certain number of candidates. She said she will work to create a profile with the district and will match candidates to the profile. She said there could be many potential candidates or there could be a few.
Larry Sykes asked if anyone that has expressed interest are sitting treasurers. He also asked if they did any searches with urban districts because he only saw East Cleveland and Columbus. Larry said urban districts were a different “animal”.
Kathy said they also assisted Springfield.
Larry expressed concern about sitting treasurers being locked up with districts.
Kathy said they recommend that the candidate needs to advise the board. She helped the board to create a profile.
Next the TPS School Board members about what they would like to look for in a treasurer.
Darlene Fisher said she would like to see a treasurer concerned about enrollment loss and the OFSC building plan.
Steven Steel said he would like a treasurer concerned with legislation issues, new requirements from the State like 2 enrollment counts, achievement scores.
Barnett said she would like a treasurer to do a good job at explaining the district’s financial situation. Make the language more citizen friendly.
Torres said he would like to see a treasurer that could work with contract restructuring. He would like to see a treasurer that will stand up and say when things are not matching and be separated from other interests. Robert also said that he would like to see bigger not being better. He also said he wanted to see the treasurer to use technology to make the district more efficient (I thought Foley said this, but it is in my notes with Robert).
Steven Steel said communication skills would be very important.
Fisher said that it would be important for the treasurer to bring the community on board.
Kathy from OSBA said that they have found there are less people coming out from the Higher Education to enter the treasurer field. The business background is an option. They are having a difficult time to find treasurers.
Darlene Fisher said that education and business are different and it may be good to hire someone from the education treasurer field.
Robert Torres said that he would like to see how the treasurer has brought cost savings to a district.
Fortlage, the outgoing treasurer asked to describe his functions. It was highlighted he had an investment certificate. He said he had as office employees an assistant to treasurer, an assistant secretary, and an assistant to the board.
He did investments, invoice control, special activities. He said operating budget was under the business manager.
The treasurer job description has not been updated since 1981. The board agreed they need a new one.
Kathy asked if the board wanted a residency requirement. While it cannot be mandated the board said they would recommend the person to live in the City.
Everyone agreed to defer talking about salary and contract requirements.
Larry Sykes said if they were sitting treasurer, he would like to know why they wished to leave the district.
Next, Kathy wanted the board to update some information about the district. There was a very long discussion on this. Kathy wanted a point person to help out updating the brochure they wanted to send out. It was recommended that they wait for the new communication officer (which will be announced at the next meeting). Larry Sykes wanted the district PR firm to assist. Robert Torres said that there was a budget and the board should not be released from their obligation.
Kathy said the process was not complicated. She just needs the information updated and wanted a contact person. The biggest draw will be the Web site. Kathy said she wanted to board to have the final say. She said they should take the lead. Darlene Fisher said that they would work with the district Sec and Foley to assemble it. Larry Sykes asked who is the contact person. Robert suggested Darlene be the contact person.
Robert also suggested the Hum Res. committee tackle the issue. Barnet said that would not be necessary and they could do it now. They agreed on profile procedure.
Kathy at OSBA said she is expecting the be the spokesperson for the treasurer search.
Kathy said she would like to keep the updates by e-mail. Larry Sykes said he would like everything to through the secretary.
One of the school board members asked about public records. Kathy said once someone applies, it does become public record. If someone requests the list she will ask the board to release it, but she could not prevent it.
The expenses will be for mileage, lodging and screener stipends. The biggest cost will be sending out the profile across the nation.
Larry Sykes asked if they would only advertise in Ohio. Kathy said no they advertise everywhere.
Larry asked how many hits on the Web site for the position http://www.osba-ohio.org/Searches/toledo.htm . Kathy said she did not think they could determine this. Larry asked how about the inquiries.
Kathy said there was interest out there. Larry Sykes asked about a treasurer wanting to apply being the district has a deficit, the board is dysfunctional, and the enrollment loss.
Kathy said that you will get candidates who will see it as an opportunity and those that will see it as a challenge. She said she will aggressively screen and recommend candidates that will take it as an opportunity – they will be the ones to apply.
Robert Torres complimented Kathy on the passion she had and was hopeful that will translate into a great candidate.
Kathy said she would enjoy it and she will give 150% effort. Kathy finished her presentation.
Next Barnett and Torres gave an update on the interim treasurer. They said they interviewed two candidates and they picked Dan Griscom (sp?). The board voted 5-0 to hire him until the district hires a perm. treasurer. Dan said he is “Ready to Go”.
At 6:40 the board went into executive session to talk about the employment of an employee and contract negotiations.
They were in there for 1 hr.
They came out and adjourned the meeting at around 8PM.
posted by chrismyers at 10:55 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 16, 2006 #
Audio is posted
Thanks Chris
posted by katie82640 at 10:55 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 16, 2006 #
Syndicate ToledoTalk
