6/24/14 New law requires board of DD to look abroad in superintendent search
By Nick Sabo
June 24, 2014
378
SUMMARY: New Ohio law requires requires boards of developmental disabilities to first consider the services of another countys superintendent as a replacement when their superintendent position becomes vacant.
The Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be required to look at a shared superintendent arrangement when looking for a candidate to replace Superintendent Scott Brace next year.
A provision in House Bill 483, signed last week by Gov. Kasich, requires boards of developmental disabilities to first consider the services of another countys superintendent as a replacement when their superintendent position becomes vacant. The new law is timely for the board because Braces contract is up next year.
Brace retired and was rehired by the board as a part-time superintendent on a three year contract that expires in August 2015. Part of the reason for Braces part-time status was to test whether the training center could get by with a part-time administrator.
Holmes DD board chairman Myron Stutzman said the board planned to look at all options when Braces contract was up. At the time, considering to pair with another county superintendent was not something they had planned to do, Stutzman said.
We know the state is really pushing shared services, Stutzman said. I dont know that we ever had a conversation considering it, but it looks like now we have to.
Stutzman said the board would like to have their own home-grown superintendent. An outsider might not understand the unique nature of Holmes Countys needs, Stutzman said.
Brace said his duties have leaned more toward full time than part time since coming back. However, Brace noted that the training center has had three employees out for extended medical leave, and that, among other things, has required he be at work more.
I havent been very successful at working part time, Brace said. I was hoping to work 60 percent, its been more like 80 percent. The goal was closer to 50 percent.
HB 483 does not specify the process by which the a developmental disabilities board must approach the new requirements when making the search for a superintendent.
The board is scheduled to receive training from state officials prior to their September board meeting, Stutzman said.
The law further requires administrators, when looking to fill a management position, to also look at shared services.
