Yesterday, the Lake County School Board (FL) had a special workshop to review deferred issues from Monday.
But, back in one corner, Board member & pragmatic businessman Scott Strong lurked quietly with a secret idea, not even voicing a vote on some issues.
The meeting went on about Supt. Anna Cowin (who was absent and in "the hospital"), and how upset the Board and more public comment speakers were about her plan to re-assign about 40 School administrators, mostly Assistant Principles.
The Board members wound themselves tight into knots over the issue, and some said they wouldn't even vote on an alternative plan, just to show Cowin up, and defer the final vote until the following Monday's meeting.
The Board was also upset about the lack of information from staff and the Supt. about a staffing plan for the "Title Services" department, and pending EEOC (discrimination) complaints form "disruptive" members of that staff.
So, after lots of steam was vented, then Scott Strong blew the whistle, said he had info that the Supt. might accept a buyout offer, and the Board sat there dumbfounded, but Jimmy Conner was gleeful (see article below).
So, most work was again deferred to Monday, but the Board instructed the attorney to "go to the hospital" and see if Cowin would really accept a buyout.
This might actually happen. Strong in the past seems to have been able to discuss issues with Cowin on the side, and he may actually know it might happen. Newly hired Supt. Dr. Moxley is slated to start as a consultant next month, so her salary is already budgeted, and if Cowin just accepts her remaining salary for the year, the buyout shouldn't cost too much. But, knowing Cowin, she might demand extras like free cable TV, trips to Tallahassee to look for work, and a new roof on her house.
So, below are two articles about it, but watch for news on whether a buyout would happen.
vj
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FROM this source at OrlandoSentinel.com
Lake School Board hopes early buyout appeals to Cowin
Tanya Caldwell | Sentinel Staff Writer
June 27, 2008
TAVARES - School Board memo to Lake County Superintendent Anna Cowin: Go away. Please. We'll pay you.
Wednesday's language was more conciliatory, but it was still clear. Board members said Thursday that they're willing to pay Cowin to leave now so her successor, Susan Moxley, can start early. Will Cowin go for it?
"I have reason to believe that she's interested," said School Board member Scott Strong, without elaborating on his conversations with Cowin. "I think it [negotiations] will happen immediately."
Cowin wasn't at Thursday's special meeting, when Strong presented the idea to the board. Her designee, Chief Human Resources Officer Deke DeLoach, said she was sick and in the hospital. He didn't elaborate.
The elected board members have had a combative relationship with the elected superintendent, who took office in 2004 and whose term is to end in November. Earlier this week, they considered asking Gov. Charlie Crist to remove Cowin over a multimillion-dollar teaching program they say she mishandled.
Board members seemed delighted to hear of a possible buyout.
"I'm ready to run out of the door and go to church and get on my knees and praise the Lord," said Jimmy Conner, a frequent foe.
Conner and other board members said it may be a good idea for Cowin to leave early, given the stress of recent controversies.
"I don't want to impact her health negatively," said School Board member Kyleen Fischer. "And the system must move forward."
School Board Chairman Larry Metz cited other reasons for a quick exit, including the end of the fiscal year and Moxley's upcoming arrival. The appointed superintendent is to start as a consultant next month and take over when Cowin leaves.
"It just makes sense to do it now because everything's in transition," Metz said.
Cowin makes $128,320 a year, plus benefits, officials said. If she left June 30, she would have about $50,000 left over in salary. It wasn't clear Thursday who would pay her remaining salary.
Strong said he's going to work with the board's attorney to flesh out the details.
"She's already said that she wants to do what's best for the community and for the children," Strong said. "I think this is a win-win situation."
Tanya Caldwell can be reached at [email protected] or 352-742-5928.
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from Orlando Sentinel - this is after Monday's meeting, not yesterday's
Cowin might be removed as superintendent
Tanya Caldwell | Sentinel Staff Writer
June 25, 2008
LAKE COUNTY - The Lake County School Board took steps this week that may lead to outgoing Superintendent Anna Cowin's early removal from office. Board members said Monday night they are considering asking Gov. Charlie Crist to remove Cowin over a now-defunct teaching program. A district auditor said Cowin and another person who does not work for Lake County schools were responsible for expanding a teacher training and bonus program without the School Board's permission. That expansion of the Teacher Advancement Program, or TAP, cost the district $485,000. If Cowin had waited, federal money would have been available to help pay the costs. Cowin has denied wrongdoing. The School Board gave her until July 28 to respond to the auditor's report in writing. If the board seeks charges, the governor could suspend Cowin and send the matter to the state Senate. Cowin, a former state senator, was elected superintendent in 2004, but voters have since decided to switch to an appointed schools chief. Her last day is Nov. 17.
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