On Jan. 17, the Falcon School District 49 Board of Education released information concerning Superintendent Grant Schmidtís future with the district. Schmidt was hired April 10, 2008 (The New Falcon Herald, ìThe search is over: new superintendent,î April 19, 2008). D 49 spokesperson Amanda Mountain sent the following press release to The New Falcon Herald:After an exhaustive inquiry and review into the leadership of Superintendent Grant Schmidt, the Falcon District 49 Board of Education has voted to direct its legal counsel to prepare a notice of charges to inform Schmidt of their intention to terminate his contract of employment. Board members spent several days reviewing records, and an executive session was called Jan. 14 to conduct staff interviews in consultation with legal counsel to discuss confidential personnel issues to determine whether or not formal action was required.During the course of the boardís investigation, several issues of concern came to light, including numerous questionable financial decisions made by the superintendent on behalf of the district without the boardís knowledge and approval. The board also determined that Schmidt may have violated the districtís ethical standards in regards to its policy on sexual harassment and professional workplace conduct. As a result, the superintendent will be placed on administrative leave pending a hearing on these matters.The board made their official motion at a public board meeting Jan.17 at the districtís central office, and the motion was approved unanimously.ìThe board does not take this decision lightly,î said Board president Anna Bartha. ìOur primary concern is our obligation to protect the interests of the staff and students of the district as well as the community at large. We insist that our superintendent be held to the highest possible standard of leadership in this regard.îAssistant Superintendent Eric Paugh will continue to serve as the acting superintendent until further notice.Editorís note: A BOE work session is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28. An update of the situation will be published in the Feb. 7 issue of the NFH.
