FYI-2017-9-15-17 Sentance Separation Agreement Approved, Richardson Announced as Interim
Sentance Separation Agreement Approved, Richardson Announced as Interim
15-Sep-2017
Sentance Separation Agreement Approved, Dr. Ed Richardson Announced as Interim
Less than 24 hours after State Superintendent Michael Sentance submitted his resignation, Gov. Kay Ivey presided at the State Board of Education meeting
during which the beleaguered education chief was expected to be fired.
Ivey, who serves as president of the State Board of Education by virtue of her office, informed the board that she had signed a separation agreement
with Sentance, to become effective immediately, pending the board’s ratification. The board voted to approve the separation agreement by eight
votes, with one abstention by Ella Bell (District 5). The vote to accept Sentance’s letter of resignation was unanimous.
The terms of the separation agreement provide compensation Sentance would have been entitled to receive had he been terminated. It includes his salary
totaling $57,500 for the remainder of the calendar year and COBRA and dental benefits totaling $20,000. The agreement also ensures the board is
free of any potential lawsuits and includes non-disparagement clauses for all parties.
Ivey said the board now stands at a crossroads, with an opportunity to refocus and put students squarely as the priority.
“Over the past two years, Alabama has experienced far too many changes in state government. As with previous changes in leadership positions, we
will use the … resignation of the state superintendent as an opportunity to move forward and begin a new chapter in public education,” Ivey
said in a statement released after Sentance’s resignation.
“The State Board of Education has an opportunity to refocus its efforts to improve, support, and better prepare Alabama students for the 21st -Century
global economy, so that they can compete successfully. Education continues to be the foundation of our communities and a key piece of the fabric
that holds our state together — now is the time to strengthen our education system.”
Also during Thursday’s meeting, Ivey announced that Dr. Ed Richardson, former state superintendent, has agreed to serve as interim state superintendent.
Several board members spoke positively about their experiences with Richardson, who served as state superintendent from 1995 to 2004. The prevailing
sentiment was that Richardson’s experience and steady hand will help guide the department out of troubled waters. Newman, who was a school administrator
when Richardson served as state superintendent, said he was a man of “integrity.”
The board approved the motion to appoint Richardson by an 8-1 vote, with Betty Peters (District 2) as the sole opposing vote. Ivey named Stephanie
Bell (District 5), Yvette Richardson (District 4) and Jeff Newman (District 7) to a committee tasked with negotiating the interim contract.
Extension Granted for ESSA Plan
The board then turned to the state’s federal ESSA plan. The governor shared that upon her review, the plan had deficiencies. She also referred to a joint letter by six education organizations (including AASB) urging that the plan be revised.
Ivey said she had spoken to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy Devos and requested a 60-day extension of the original Sept. 18 deadline. Alabama was granted a 29-day extension, making the plan due Oct. 13. If the plan does not address the deficiencies by that date, Ivey said she will seek another extension, emphasizing that the state plan is important and must be done well and done right.
Next Board Meeting and Work Session
While the work session that was scheduled to follow Thursday’s meeting was canceled, the board now will hold a meeting in Montgomery on September 27 at 10 a.m., with a work session to follow.
Fall Conference: Learn to Better Engage Your Community
There's still time to register for our annual Fall Conference at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa on Oct. 1-2. We've selected dynamic speakers and informative topics designed to help your board boost its community engagement skills.
Sessions include:
- Cristin Brawner, Engaged Communities; Empowered Communities
- Daryl Perkins, Working with Local, State & Federal Leaders
- Elise Shelton, 100% Graduation: A Community's Call to Action
- Leslie Bruinton, Easy PR for Any Size System & Budget
- Rich Harwood, Customers vs. Owners
School Supply Drive to Benefit Hurricane Irma Victims
AASB is partnering with the Florida School Boards Association to host a school supply drive for children affected by Hurricane Irma. To participate in this relief effort, please bring school supply donations to Fall Conference.
Stop by for Tour of New Office
Stop by on your way to Fall Conference for refreshments and a tour of the new AASB building during our Open House on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Our new address 43 South Jackson Street, but you will need to enter from Hilliard Street. Also, if you’re ever in Montgomery for a State Board meeting
or legislative function, our parking lot is available to you. Call us at 334-277-9700 for more information.
Fall District Meetings Underway
There still are four Fall District meetings remaining. This year’s topic is Whose Lane Is it Anyway? and will cover Superintendent-Board Relations.
The cost is $25 per person and will include your meal. Don’t worry if you’ve already missed the meeting in your district; you may sign up for other
district meetings.
The remaining district meetings are:
- District 3
- District 7
- District 8
- District 9
Annual Convention Registration Opens Sept. 20
AASB will host its annual Convention December 7-9 at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel. This year’s theme is Powering the Future. Registration opens Wednesday Sept. 20.
New Hotel Registration Process: A special convention registration code will now be required to book your hotel room. For complete details, visit our convention registration web page when registration opens on Sept. 20.
District Director Elections Underway
District Director Elections Underway It’s time to vote for new AASB district directors! Each board must exercise this vote by official board action at a board meeting and has one vote. Ballots have been mailed and director nominees have been posted on our website. Nominations must be made in writing and postmarked or received by Oct. 31. Directors must be a member of a school board which is a member of AASB. District director elections are governed by AASB Bylaws.
Current District 2 Director Mike Oakley of the Bibb County Board of Education, has been automatically re-elected, as his nomination was the only one received for District 2. Current District 4 Director Gwen Harris-Brooks, District 6 Director Kathy Landers and District 8 Director Karen Duke are completing their second term and are ineligible for another. District directors serve two-year terms and can serve two complete terms.
Below are the candidates appearing on the ballots:
- District 4 - Gail Holley
- District 6 - Dr. Mary Harrington
- District 4 - Mary Hooks
- District 6- Marie Manning
- District 4 - Melissa Snowden
- District 8 - Ronnie Owens
- District 6 - David Gilmore
- District 8 - Jennifer Manville
Enter Your School for a Chance to Win $4,000
The LEAN Frog Tri-State Best k-12 Practices contest, co-sponsored by AASB, recognizes best practices and innovations in k-12 public schools that impact student achievement and promote effective and efficient use of public resources. Public school systems in Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana may submit up to three entries describing a best practice implemented within the last three academic years (2014-15, 2015-16 or 2016-17).
Two finalists will be selected from each state and will each receive $1,000. One overall Tri-State winner will be selected from the six state finalists
and receive a $4,000 GRAND PRIZE!
Alabama’s entry period ends Nov. 7, 2017.
Finalists will be announced Nov. 27, 2017, and will be recognized at AASB’s Annual Convention at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel.
Learn more.