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Board splits on liquidated damages, approves personnel items except resignations; several resignations deferred
Summary
The board debated whether to waive teacher liquidated‑damages fees and ultimately failed a motion to waive the fees for a group of resignations. After further votes, the board approved the personnel agenda but excluded the pending resignations for future consideration.
Liberty Elementary School District trustees debated liquidated‑damages provisions and handled personnel items at their Jan. 13 meeting, ultimately approving most personnel actions while deferring decisions on resignations.
Board member Kelly Zimmerman pulled item 9.3 (personnel) for discussion, saying the recommendation included seven resignations, five of which could trigger liquidated damages. The board considered a motion to waive liquidated damages for the group on the consent calendar. That motion failed on a 2–2 vote (Ayes: Sarah Schmidt, Kelly Zimmerman; Noes: Brian Cirincione, Chris Kenyon).
A subsequent motion to approve the personnel action items as presented also failed on a 2–2 vote (Schmidt and Zimmerman opposed; Cerancioni and Kenyon in favor). After further discussion the board adopted a third motion to approve the personnel action items with the exception of all resignations; that motion passed unanimously (4–0). The effect is that the listed resignations were not approved that night and will be brought back for board consideration at a later meeting.
Superintendent Doctor Monroe and human resources staff told the board that liquidated‑damages language is contained in the teacher contract and that the district’s HR practice includes three common exemptions — personal illness, spouse transfer out of state, and promotion — and that the $2,500 figure is typical in nearby districts. Trustees discussed whether the criteria or application should be clarified in contract language and whether final waiver decisions should rest with administration or be reserved for the board.
Public comment earlier in the meeting had included multiple speakers urging the board to renew building principals’ contracts and criticizing district leadership; multiple speakers also cited teacher departures and staffing concerns. Board members and staff noted the challenge of filling classrooms midyear and said they seek solutions that prioritize students’ continuity of instruction while balancing contract enforcement.
The board asked administration to return with clearer language and recommended procedures for how liquidated damages and resignation appeals will be handled going forward.
