Divided USV board hires new superintendent

ALGER - People urged the Upper Scioto Valley school board to slow down in naming a new superintendent Monday, some claiming board members have acted inappropriately and possibly outside the law.

Still, the board moved forward in naming a new district head.

After accepting Superintendent Nancy Wood Allison's resignation last week, the school board voted 3-1 Monday to hire Rick Ralston. The board approved a contract through July 31, 2012. Wood Allison will remain with the district under a new position until June 30.

"This is not an emergency. You have an existing superintendent," former board member Brice Beaman told the board, also questioning why there was no résumé for Ralston on file. "Step back, take a breath, maybe try to fix what has been done wrong and try to regain the respect."

Beaman has filed a complaint with the Hardin County prosecutor. He said board members have violated Ohio's open meetings law by meeting privately in their homes, and that the board has violated executive session rules. Board Vice President Steve Lowery said he doesn't believe the board has broken any laws.

There have been rumors for awhile of the board wanting to get rid of Wood Allison. Under an agreement with the board, she will remain as assistant superintendent of special projects.

"How can you award a contract on something that does not exist," Beaman asked.

Lowery said no specific projects have been named yet, but that the board has several in mind.

She will continue to receive her current salary, insurance benefits and other fringe benefits, costing the district about $70,000. If Wood Allison gets another job and leaves the district, she will no longer be paid by the district, board member Steve Lowery said. Ralston will make $85,000 a year.

A few asked why the board wanted Wood Allison to leave. Lowery responded that it was a mutual agreement and that he could not comment on what has been discussed in executive session.

Wood Allison declined comment, referring questions to her attorney, Dennis Pergram. He could not be reached Monday.

A USV graduate, Ralston served as superintendent in the late 1980s. From there he went to Alexander schools in Athens County. A virus left him incapacitated and on disability for several years. Some have expressed concern over Ralston's health, but he has been released to go back to work.

Jerry Cramer, who had once before served as an interim superintendent for USV, offered his service again Monday. Then, he said, the board could do a proper search for a new superintendent.

"It would give the board ample time to do what is appropriate," he said, adding that his concern is "how the contract came about."

Cramer also read a statement from board member Bill Cook, who could not be at Monday's meeting. He wanted the issue to be tabled with continued discussion. Cook attended a Sunday meeting to review the contract, but at that time, a salary had not been worked out.

Cook insisted on not hiring him a week ago, saying he wanted more time to study the contract. It took several motions and hours to get the full board to approve waiting a week.

Board member Gordon Holbrook voted against hiring Ralstson. Lowery said Ralston was the board's selection because of his credentials and past experience. The board considered other people, he said, although would not say who.

Wood Allison came to USV in July 2004, previously serving as assistant principal at Elida High School. The district has faced some tough times during the past few years, especially financially. Cuts came following multiple levy attempts for new operating money. The sixth request failed last month.

Three things need to be first addressed, Ralston said, with the budget being the top priority. He believes he can avoid going back to voters for money. He also wants to address the state report cards and build relationships.

Recently moving back to the area, several residents came to Ralston about concerns, then asking if he would be interested in the position if it came open. He said the midyear hire was needed for him to have time to evaluate the district before making changes.

Treasurer Bonnie Yale also resigned at the meeting last week. Yale, who has been USV treasurer for eight years, will retire at the end of the year.

"Forty years I think is long enough for one job," she said, declining to say whether recent problems at the district led to her decision. "I'm just going to start a new chapter in my life."

An assistant treasurer is also leaving to take a job at another school district, Yale said. The board is advertising for the two positions now.