•  Back to the email menu 

    From: Judy Gafa [mailto:gafaj@gpschools.com]
    Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2015 11:33 AM
    To: Cindy Pangborn
    Cc: Fenton, Christian; Daniel Roeske; Lois Valente; weertzm@gpschools.com; <ahmed@portraitplacegpw.com>; Brian Summerfield
    Subject: Re: Mrs. Gafas press release on co-superintendents

     

    Mrs Pangborn

    I called Mr Roeske and Mrs Valente before I answered Mr Ismails emailthey confirmed that the board did indeed have this discussion.   Mrs Valente comfirmed that this was made very clear.

     

    I believe I have been very patient with these emails but I am tired of these personal attacks on me.

     

    I did not act unilaterally.

     

    It was made very clear at the meeting you were unable to attend that resumes would not be handed out before the closed session on Monday.   Mrs Valente reiterated this and publicly stated that no board member should be making the accusation you are now making.

     

    We cannot share opinions as it is viewed as a deliberation via eamail.  That is why Mr Summerfield and Mrs Valente instituted the resolution. 

     

    I have no power to stop anyone of the trustees from emailing the board, their fellow trustees and violating the OMA. I would be remiss in my duties as president of this board if I did not caution the board, as my predecessor before me often did.

     

    Respectfully 

    Judy Gafa 

     


    On Sunday, April 12, 2015, Cindy Pangborn <cindypangborn@gmail.com> wrote:

    Dear Mrs. Gafa,

    I cannot believe that your press release was sent out that "Dr. Dean and  Mr. Fenton will both assume the role of acting superintendent"  I do not understand or except your explanation of Dr. Dean and Mr. Fenton sharing superintendent duties. This was not what was discussed at the Brownell meeting and this looks like another unilateral decision on your part.  There was never any discussion about Dr. Dean sharing the superintendent duties.  As you have just stated, Dr.Dean, "would handle human resources and curriculum ". Of course he would, that's the job he has.  Any superintendent duties, such as signatory, were to be added to Mr. Fenton's responsibilities, in addition to his existing duties.

      Our only discussion was on title and we all agreed that  "Acting " superintendent was preferred over " interim ".  At  no time did your discussion scenario happen about sharing superintendent duties.  Did you not know that at least I would have objected strenuously to that   arrangement?  Believe me, no one would have forgotten if I had objected !  It would have been completely objectionable to me if we had the duties of superintendent shared.  The responsibility needs to fall to one person...there can only be one In charge who makes the final decisions.
       Mrs. Gafa, you have just asked us to refrain from public email positioning, yet, you have just sent to all of us, publicly, a synopsis of deliberation at a closed meeting.


      I was also surprised that Board members were not given a chance to read about the purposed candidates over the weekend. It is unprofessional for anyone to think we should make a decision based on Monday nights presentation.  If it was necessary for confidentiality than names and locations of candidates could have been redacted.
    Cindy Pangborn  -  as we all know this is not for discussion unless you individually contact me
    Sent from my iPad


    On Apr 10, 2015, at 9:45 PM, Judy Gafa <gafaj@gpschools.com> wrote:

    Today was Dr Harwoods last day in the district he is starting his vacation.  This press release was sent out this evening

    Respectfully

    Judy Gafa



    Sent from my iPhone


    Begin forwarded message:

    From: "Fannon, Rebecca" <Rebecca.Fannon@gpschools.org>
    Date: April 10, 2015 at 9:39:45 PM EDT
    To: All Employees <AllEmployees@gpschools.org>
    Subject: Superintendent update from Board President

    The Board of Education wishes Dr. Harwood well, and thanks him for his service to the district as he assumes his regional position as Deputy Superintendent of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA).  Dr. Harwood has announced his last day in the district will be April 10th. At that time, our Deputy Superintendents Dr. Dean and Mr. Fenton will both assume the role of acting superintendent, with Mr. Fenton having signatory responsibilities until our new Superintendent is named.

    Please continue to watch progress on the superintendent search as updated online and at our televised board meetings. As you know, those meetings are also archived on our Livestream account, which is linked from the district website.

    Sincerely,
    Judy Gafa, President
    GPPSS Board of Education

    Sent from my iPhone