Board approves treasurer contract and a severance-language amendment after late-night debate

The Groveport Madison Local Board of Education late at night approved a multi-year contract for the district treasurer and separately voted to amend the agreement’s severance language after extended debate and an executive session.

Board members argued over timing and process before and during votes. One motion to postpone action on the contract until June failed; the board then approved language modifying paragraph 10 of the contract on severance pay and subsequently approved the full contract and addendum.

What the board did: The board first considered a motion to amend paragraph 10 (severance pay) to add a sentence clarifying entitlement at the end of the contract term. That amendment passed on roll call (Ayes: Walsh, Grama, Bauer, Doudelberger; No: Kirschner). The board then voted on the resolution authorizing the treasurer’s contract through fiscal year 2027–2031 and an addendum for fiscal year 2026; the resolution also passed (Ayes: Grama, Bauer, Doudelberger, Walsh; No: Kirschner). Earlier in the meeting a motion to postpone action until the June regular meeting did not pass.

Discussion and concerns: Several board members criticized the timing and negotiation process. One member said repeatedly that changes should not be made after agreeing to a multi-year deal and questioned why a contract would be presented if the board might later alter terms. Another member cited the district’s staffing vacancies and said the board needed a seasoned treasurer in place. The record shows divided sentiment: some members emphasized the need to finalize an employment agreement promptly; others urged more time and further negotiation.

Executive session: The board convened an executive session to discuss personnel matters under Ohio law (ORC 121.22). The meeting resumed after the executive session and the votes listed above followed.

What the votes were: Amendment to paragraph 10 — passed (ayes 4 / no 1). Treasurer contract and addendum — passed (ayes 4 / no 1). A separate motion to postpone the contract vote failed.

What the board did not disclose at the meeting: The publicly read motions and vote tallies appear in the minutes; the contract text and the final severance language are part of the board record or attachments. Specific dollar amounts in the approved contract were discussed in closed-session negotiation and were not read in full on the public record during the meeting.

Next steps: The board directed staff to finalize the contract documents consistent with the approved amendment and file them with the district record per board policy.