West Muskin TRADITION OF EXCELLENC: m Schools November 25, 2015 Greg Sticke! 295 Oxford Oak Blacklick, Ohio 43004 Reference: West Muskingum Middle School Principal Guidelines Mr. Stickel, During the past week, there has been a stream of emails from you concerning your continuation as the principal of West Muskingum Middle School. In one of your emails, you pased three questions. | had indicated in an email to you that | required additional time to reflect on your questions. What follows is my response to bring further clarity to my expectations and the roles and responsibilities of the principal and associate principal of West ‘Muskingum Middle School. Bear in mind that, as the District’s superintendent, | am by law the Board of Education’s executive officer with assignment authority over not just teachers and support staff, but also principals, associate principals, and various other administrators. In the November 11, 2015 document, | clearly outlined my expectations, and the roles and responsibilities for the principal and associate principal given the way things have evolved. Itis the Board's and my expectation that the roles and responsibilities as stated in the November 11 document be fully implemented. To provide further clarity, | will be the evaluator for Michael Edwards. During my tenure with the District, | have been the evaluator for the principals, associate principals, and directors. Your focus needs to be on the implementation of OTES for the teachers assigned to you for supervision and evaluation. Michael Edwards will continue as the primary administrator responsible for the implementation of the school’s discipline plan. In addition, Michael will continue his research of the restorative discipline Michael Edwards will also continue as primary administrator responsible for the supervision of the special education program. Mr. Edwards will be working closely with Mrs. Karen Hand in the further development, refinement, and implementation of the special education programs and services and the development and implementation of the school's RTI program. Furthermore, it will be my expectation that you work closely with Kelli Wohigamuth on implementation of the West Muskingum Middle School Improvement Plan. It is essential that the plan is executed and that the school work closely with the external consultant from Region 12. In order to have the freedom and flexibility for the ‘middle school vision, itis important that the achievement gap is closed in the school. | do believe the work with FIP can continue as part of the plan.In the November 11 document, | had arranged executive coaching for Michael Edwards and you in order to develop an effective leadership team for West Muskingum Middle School. It is my expectation that you will participate in the sessions as deemed necessary by the executive coach. It is important to the future success of, the school that Michael and you work as an effective cohesive team, In a recent text message on November 24, you indicated that you are the captain on the WMMS ship. That does not give you sole authority and control, however. Successful administration of a school program is a team effort that requires a rational allocation of talents and responsibilities. And, as Superintendent, | have overall administrative responsibility for the operation of all District schools, and that includes supervisory authority regarding principals and associate principals. You have also requested a meeting with the Board and me on these issues. The Board has declined the meeting as do |. The November 11 document has been reviewed by the Board, and the document clearly outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and roles. The Board supports the document, At this point, | and the Board are interested in implementation of a successful educational program, not a debate. ‘The fear you have expressed over a potential lawsuit if you comply with the November 11 document is baseless. | would also note in this connection that, so long as you act in good faith and within the course and scope of your employment, the Board is legally obligated to defend you and hold you harmless against any claim for liability. If you abide by the November 11 document, you are acting within the course and scope of your employment and shielded against the lawsuit you say you fear. It is unfortunate that you misrepresented information in the public arena. In the text message of November 14, you indicated you look forward to support from me. | have demonstrated my support before and throughout this situation. | have applauded your vision for the middle school. | admire your intellect, energy, innovative spirit, and positive attitude. | believe you are a man with many gifts and talents. The hope and goal is to channel those gifts and talents in a way that maximizes success as part of a team effort. Unfortunately, you have distorted my views and taken information out of context. As a result, my level of trust and support is low and frankly has waned. Both will need to be earned back in order to further develop the proper working relationship. Until that trust is earned through the demonstration of your integrity, | will meet with you only with a member of the administrative team present, and | have no interest in debating these matters in email or with any further discussion. Finally, you will complete a Fitness for Duty Exam by a professional identified by the West Muskingum Local Schoo! District. You will not be permitted to return to duty until the Fitness for Duty Exam is completed, and you are cleared to return as principal. The cost will be borne by the District. Meanwhile, you will remain on paid administrative leave. You will be notified as soon as possible of the date, time and location of the exam. Following your review of the letter, please notify me of your intentions concerning your employment with the ‘West Muskingum Local School District. Ui hac Superintendent