Norfolk board approves consent agenda; accepts multiple resignations and hires new teachers

The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education approved the consent agenda, including multiple new teacher contracts and several resignations, by a 6-0 vote.

The consent agenda included contracts for new hires: Cassandra Glaser (first- and second-grade teacher, Lincoln Montessori); Chloe Hintz (fourth-grade teacher, Jefferson Elementary); Amber Kittle (English language learner teacher, Norfolk Junior High); Bridal Mendelick (physical education teacher, Norfolk Senior High); Emily Merkel (kindergarten teacher, Lincoln Montessori); Rhianna Specht (9–12 math teacher, Norfolk Senior High); Paige Stenka (K–4 special education teacher, location to be determined); Curtis Stevens (9–12 instrumental music/band teacher, Norfolk Senior High); Andrea Williams (fourth-grade teacher, Woodland Park Elementary); and Williams Heston (PE teacher at Norfolk Junior High). These names and assignments were read into the record by district staff during the meeting.

The board also accepted resignations listed in the meeting record: Elizabeth Baber (fifth-grade teacher, Norfolk Middle School); Amanda Gassell (second-grade teacher, Jefferson Elementary); Tyrone Hubbard (special education teacher, Norfolk Middle School); Mikayla Klein Taub (first-grade teacher, Washington Elementary); Kendra Lierman (special education teacher, Norfolk Senior High); Katherine Steskell (special education teacher, Norfolk Junior High); and Dr. Jamie Jo Thompson (superintendent). A public commenter at the meeting, Kaye Francavilla, had earlier said several resignations — including three special-education teachers — contributed to a local staffing concern.

Eric Wilson, presenting the finance and facilities report, listed the claims on the consent agenda by fund: General Fund $291,294.92; Nutrition Fund $260,068.70; Cooperative Fund $2,829.06; Subsidiary Fund $1,851.64; Depreciation Fund $28,313.28; Special Building Fund $599.95; Senior High Activity Fund $52,674.13; Junior High Activity Fund $1,923.57; and Student Fee Fund $501.41. Wilson said these claims had been reviewed by the Finance and Facilities Committee.

Before the board vote, one member declared a potential conflict of interest and said they would abstain from voting on claim number 383 for the month of March; the board clerk received a written disclosure. The member said they intended to vote on the remainder of the consent agenda. The motion to approve the consent agenda then passed 6-0.

Public commenters during the meeting raised academic performance concerns and urged thorough participation in the superintendent hiring process. Kaye Francavilla, identifying herself as a Norfolk taxpayer and graduate of Norfolk Public Schools, said the district’s reading and math scores were below comparable districts and urged board action. Jan Heerman, a Norfolk resident, urged all six board members to participate fully in the superintendent hiring committee process.

The board thanked Dr. Jamie Jo Thompson for her service during formal remarks following the consent vote.