Board of DD hires interim superintendent
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
The Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities has voted to hire an interim superintendent, who will jointly serve the local board, as well as the Fayette County Board of DD.
The Highland County Board of DD met in a special session Wednesday evening at the Hills and Dales Training Center in Hillsboro, and voted 4-0 to employ Fred Williams, the current Fayette County Board of DD superintendent. The Fayette board was scheduled to meet in a special session Wednesday to consider a similar resolution, allowing Williams to split his duties between the two counties.
Board president Linda Allen said that this is the start of a new direction for the board and the school.
On Oct. 3, the Highland County Board of DD voted 5-0 to terminate the employment of Hills and Dales Superintendent Chuck Biggert following allegations of intimidation and bullying against employees.
"Fred is going to be a breath of fresh air for Hills and Dales," Allen said. "His strong leadership skills and professionalism will allow our board to better meet the needs of those people we serve. We are excited he is here and look forward to finalizing this arrangement as soon as possible."
The board also voted 4-0 to enter into a contract to hire Williams for a term of six months, which will begin Oct. 13. The matter was voted on by board members Allen, Sam Snyder, Deb Tissot and Karen Adams. Board members Megan Filson, John Fittro and Gary Buchanan were not in attendance at the special session.
Allen said that six months was the longest amount of time the Ohio Association of Boards of DD would allow for an interim superintendent. Having someone at the interim post will allow them to take their time during the hiring process, she said. Part of the agreement allows Williams to return full-time to Fayette County if someone is found earlier to fill the permanent position. If a superintendent is not found within six months the board can apply to extend the time frame, Allen said.
"This allows us to take our time," Tissot said.
Allen said, "Now that we know that everything here is being taken care of we can start the process of hiring a superintendent."
As the board has done in the past, Allen said that the state association will post that there is an opening and will deal with initial applicants. She said that there will be some changes to their hiring process, compared to how things were done in the past.
Previously, interviews were conducted by 2-3 board members.
"We're thinking of coming up with a a committee, and maybe have some staff members on that committee," Allen said. "And we'll do a lot more research on the individual."
The board will also use the time to considering having a permanent shared superintendent, as many boards of DD have done throughout the state.
"It's a win-win for both counties," Tissot said, because the interim period will allow both agencies to see what it is like to function with a part-time superintendent who represents both.
Allen said, "It cuts (what each board has to pay) the salary, and when there are conferences, he represents both, so the costs are cut in half."
The board has already received some applications and phone calls from interested applicants, and Allens said neighboring counties have expressed interest in sharing a superintendent.
They also anticipate Williams making some changes to the current structure of Hills and Dales to make operations more efficient.
"This may result in some redistributing of positions," said board member Sam Snyder.
"He may have some ideas on how to do things better, and to get us to where we need to be. We're feeling very positive. At least I am," Allen said. "He's excited about the challenge to come on and help us."
Fayette County Board of DD president Mitchell Kirby said, "We have had the benefit of Fred's leadership over the past year and we're happy to be able to share his talents with another board of developmental disabilities. The fact that we'll both be able to benefit from his skills while reducing both of our overall cots in the meantime makes this a win-win for each of us."
Even though the boards will be sharing a superintendent, both counties will maintain their own personnel and programs and continue to operate as separate entities.
According to a press release issued by both boards, "Williams has more than 32 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. Prior to becoming a superintendent, Williams was assistant director at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. He graduated from Miami University with a bachelor of science in education and holds a master's degree from Miami University in the field of administration and curriculum development."
Williams said, "This is a unique opportunity for both counties to work together and find ways to better serve people with developmental disabilities. We have a very capable group of leaders in each county that is eager to start sharing ideas. I am excited to get this partnership up and running, and thank board members in both counties for their confidence in my abilities."
According to the board, Williams' temporary dual role, "would be a first for both the Highland and Fayette county boards, though permanent shared superintendent arrangements are gaining popularity at other county developmental disability boards across the state. Currently, Knox and Coshocton counties share a superintendent, as do Fairfield/Vinton, Shelby/Champaign and Belmont/Harrison/Noble counties. Officials in Ottawa and Henry counties have recently entered the final stages of contract negotiations to share a superintendent."
Dan Ohler, executive director of the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, said, "This partnership is a prime example of how county boards are willing and able to make sure their core mission is achieved under difficult circumstances. they are to be commended for making this idea become a reality."
The Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities has voted to hire an interim superintendent, who will jointly serve the local board, as well as the Fayette County Board of DD.
The Highland County Board of DD met in a special session Wednesday evening at the Hills and Dales Training Center in Hillsboro and voted 4-0 to employ Fred Williams, the current Fayette County Board of DD superintendent. The Fayette board was scheduled to meet in a special session Wednesday to consider a similar resolution, allowing Williams to split his duties between the two counties.
Board president Linda Allen said that this is the start of a new direction for the board and the school.
On Oct. 3, the Highland County Board of DD voted 5-0 to terminate the employment of Hills and Dales Superintendent Chuck Biggert following allegations of intimidation and bullying against employees.
"Fred is going to be a breath of fresh air for Hills and Dales," Allen said. "His strong leadership skills and professionalism will allow our board to better meet the needs of those people we serve. We are excited he is here and look forward to finalizing this arrangement as soon as possible."
The board also voted 4-0 to enter into a contract to hire Williams for a term of six months, which will begin Oct. 13. The matter was voted on by board members Allen, Sam Snyder, Deb Tissot and Karen Adams. Board members Megan Filson, John Fittro and Gary Buchanan were not in attendance at the special session.
Allen said that six months was the longest amount of time the Ohio Association of Boards of DD would allow for an interim superintendent. Having someone at the interim post will allow them to take their time during the hiring process, she said. Part of the agreement allows Williams to return full-time to Fayette County if someone is found earlier to fill the permanent position. If a superintendent is not found within six months, the board can apply to extend the time frame, Allen said.
"This allows us to take our time," Tissot said.
Allen said, "Now that we know that everything here is being taken care of, we can start the process of hiring a superintendent."
As the board has done in the past, Allen said that the state association will post that there is an opening and will deal with initial applicants. She said that there will be some changes to their hiring process, compared to how things were done in the past.
Previously, interviews were conducted by 2-3 board members.
"We're thinking of coming up with a a committee and maybe have some staff members on that committee," Allen said. "And we'll do a lot more research on the individual."
The board will also use the time to considering having a permanent shared superintendent, as many boards of DD have done throughout the state.
"It's a win-win for both counties," Tissot said, because the interim period will allow both agencies to see what it is like to function with a part-time superintendent who represents both.
Allen said, "It cuts (what each board has to pay) the salary, and when there are conferences, he represents both, so the costs are cut in half."
The board has already received some applications and phone calls from interested applicants, and Allen said neighboring counties have expressed interest in sharing a superintendent.
They also anticipate Williams making some changes to the current structure of Hills and Dales to make operations more efficient.
"This may result in some redistributing of positions," said board member Sam Snyder.
"He may have some ideas on how to do things better and to get us to where we need to be. We're feeling very positive. At least I am," Allen said. "He's excited about the challenge to come on and help us."
Fayette County Board of DD president Mitchell Kirby said, "We have had the benefit of Fred's leadership over the past year, and we're happy to be able to share his talents with another board of developmental disabilities. The fact that we'll both be able to benefit from his skills while reducing both of our overall costs in the meantime makes this a win-win for each of us."
Even though the boards will be sharing a superintendent, both counties will maintain their own personnel and programs and continue to operate as separate entities.
According to a press release issued by both boards, "Williams has more than 32 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. Prior to becoming a superintendent, Williams was assistant director at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. He graduated from Miami University with a bachelor of science in education and holds a master's degree from Miami University in the field of administration and curriculum development."
Williams said, "This is a unique opportunity for both counties to work together and find ways to better serve people with developmental disabilities. We have a very capable group of leaders in each county that is eager to start sharing ideas. I am excited to get this partnership up and running, and thank board members in both counties for their confidence in my abilities."
According to the board, Williams' temporary dual role, "would be a first for both the Highland and Fayette county boards, though permanent shared superintendent arrangements are gaining popularity at other county developmental disability boards across the state. Currently, Knox and Coshocton counties share a superintendent, as do Fairfield/Vinton, Shelby/Champaign and Belmont/Harrison/Noble counties. Officials in Ottawa and Henry counties have recently entered the final stages of contract negotiations to share a superintendent."
Dan Ohler, executive director of the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, said, "This partnership is a prime example of how county boards are willing and able to make sure their core mission is achieved under difficult circumstances. They are to be commended for making this idea become a reality."
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