The Tonganoxie school district superintendent likely won’t be returning to his post after his contract ends in late June.
The Tonganoxie school board voted Monday, 4-3, for a resolution stating its intent not to renew the contract of Superintendent Richard Erickson.
In a written statement, Erickson had this to say about the board’s decision:
“I am disappointed with the board’s decision. I want to thank the board members who supported me and my employment in USD 464 over the past 12 years. I want to thank USD 464 employees, board members and students for the opportunity to serve as superintendent in USD 464. I am very pleased with the accomplishments that have been realized in the school district over the past 12 years.”
To his written statement, Erickson attached a list of accomplishments, including new programs, cost-saving measures and passage of a $25.3 million bond issue in 2004.
But in the last two years, Erickson was involved in some controversy, including an assistant’s contract buyout and a mill levy filing error he submitted to Leavenworth County that cost taxpayers nearly $370,000.
The district bought out the contract of Jamie Brun, director of operations, after a short time on the job in 2007. On one occasion, Brun and Erickson had an argument that led to Brun calling 911.
Comments
mom24kids 8 years, 9 months ago
IT IS ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!!!
catblu 8 years, 9 months ago
The author of this article forgot to mention the superintendent also hid a bullying problem from the school board. That "mistake" cost the schools insurance company $440,000. What happened last night at the board meeting was accountability. He was held accountable for his actions. Erickson has embarrassed our schools and town through his failure to do his job properly. A $440,000 federal bulling verdict + $375,000 tax "mistake" + $57,00 to buy out Mr. Bruns contract = a new superintendent. Its time for the board to put a professional in to the superintendents position. Someone who can guide our school district out of the financial mess that Erickson has put us into. The vote last night shows the taxpayers of the Tonganoxie school district that our school board is thinking about what is best for our children. Also they are trying to make our school district more parent friendly, and to have a better working environment for the districts staff. A big THANK YOU to the School Board!
kcrew 8 years, 9 months ago
catblu . . . you sound like you are quite in tune to what is going on in the Tongie Schools . . . have things improved in the last year and a half with new building administration and is there anyone in line to move into the Superintendency?
kcrew 8 years, 9 months ago
mom24kids . . . obviously you are in support of the BOE's decision to remove Erickson . . . can you explain???
kcrew 8 years, 9 months ago
Shawn has been covering USD 464 BOE meetings for awhile now . . . does he have more insight into what is going on in the district then he let on in the article? Seems like it's been a bit of a mess.
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