Superintendent Andrew Hill has entered a Last Chance Agreement with Wadsworth’s Board of Education and his pay has been reduced following personal allegations regarding Hill.
Today, two emails were sent out to parents of Wadsworth City School District that did not give much explanation about the matters that led to the emails being sent out.
The first email came from the Board at 3:37p.m. this afternoon. The email gave no insight as to what events transpired or what steps the Board took to ensure that this was handled properly.
“The Wadsworth City School District Board of Education was recently made aware of personnel matters and took immediate action. The Board is taking the appropriate action to ensure full compliance with the policies and guidelines of the Wadsworth City School District,” The Board of Education wrote in an email to the community.
These supposed allegations have left the community questioning the severity of this matter. At the time of publication, all Board Members have been contacted by the Bruin in hopes of giving context as to the nature of these allegations.
“The Board does not discuss personnel matters publicly,” said Amanda Gordon, Wadsworth School Board member.
The second email was sent out by Hill within ten minutes of the Board’s response at 3:47 to give his apology.
“My message today is simple, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the distraction my personal actions have caused our Board of Education and others. I’m appreciative of the process our Board of Education engaged in over the last month and others,” Hill wrote.
Hill implies in his email that these allegations could have cost him his job, when he says, “I’m appreciative of the process our Board of Education engaged in over the last month and their decision to offer a Last Chance Agreement that allows me to continue as superintendent.”
However, in the Board of Education Meeting Agenda from January 12, “The Board agrees not to seek the termination of the Superintendent for those allegations actually known to the Board on or before January 11, 2024, subject to the conditions of this Agreement.”
Since the beginning of December, the Board of Education has had six executive sessions where they discussed employment and “matters required to be kept confidential by federal law or rules or state statutes.”
The Last Chance Agreement stands as just that, Hill’s last chance.
“This Agreement constitutes the last chance for the Superintendent to maintain appointment and/or employment with the Board.”
This agreement also states that Hill is required to work with an EAP, Employee Assistance Program.
According to the Meeting Agenda, “The Superintendent shall continue appointments with one (1) or more approved Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”) provider for each one of the following: 1) Workplace stress performance and concerns; 2) Employee Wellbeing; and 3) All other areas recommended by the EAP provider.”
The Last Chance Agreement also adds a reduction to Hill’s pay.
“The superintendent voluntarily accepts a reduction in salary compensation in the total amount of Six Thousand Seven Hundred Forty Dollars and Zero Cents ($6740.00) for the 2023 – 2024 contract term only.”
Although Hill’s contract runs through July 2026, the pay reduction only applies for this year.
“The reduction in pay referenced in the Last Chance Agreement applies to the current fiscal year,” Gordon said.
The Meeting Agenda also gives the consequences and conditions of Hill’s actions.
“Upon the prior written approval of the Board, the Superintendent shall participate between twenty (20) and forty (40) total hours of professional development covering each of the following professional development program areas through July 31, 2024 as directed by the Board: 1) Board policies; 2) Administrative guidelines; 3) Administrator ethics; 4) Executive coaching; and 5) All other areas recommended by the Board.”
This is a developing story.
The January Meeting Agenda can be viewed here:
Concerned parents • Jan 17, 2024 at 1:52 pm
Seems like a big old coverup. Probable should vote no confidence to the Wadsworth city Board
Brandi • Jan 13, 2024 at 12:08 pm
This is a very poor decision made by The Wadsworth Board. If they were smart they would know how BIG of a red flag this situation is and if they could only know the true Mr. Hill that I knew when he first started at Wadsworth. They definitely wouldn’t have given him another chance!! I can guarantee you that! Sometimes people have to learn the hard way.