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Talawanda City board pressed on hiring vetting after administrator placed on leave
Summary
A Raleigh Township resident and several board members pressed the Talawanda City School District Board of Education for clearer hiring and background-check practices after a newly hired central-office administrator was placed on administrative leave.
On Aug. 27, 2025, the Talawanda City School District Board of Education heard public criticism and internal debate about the district’s hiring and background‑check procedures after the district placed a newly hired central‑office administrator on administrative leave.
Corey Fry, of Raleigh Township, told the board he was “profoundly disappointed” in the district’s handling of the hire and said he could find police records, mug shots and court documents about the administrator within minutes of the announcement. “This raises serious questions about the district’s vetting processes,” Fry said.
The remarks prompted an extended exchange among board members and the superintendent about when background checks are completed and whether the district should hire substitutes or other staff before receiving final results. Superintendent Dr. Thoreau said background checks can arrive quickly in some cases and take weeks in others. “Sometimes they come back in two days. Sometimes it takes a month … I had some that came back within a week. I had others that came back six weeks,” he said, describing variability in processing times.
Board member Mead said he will vote against any contract going forward that lacks a completed background check, citing a prior vote he regretted. “From now on, if there's not a background check, I will be voting no,” Mead said. Other board members said such a policy could create operational challenges if it prevents the district from filling short‑term vacancies, particularly for substitutes and classified positions.
Despite the debate, the board approved a block of personnel items — covering substitute administrators, limited‑term classified contracts and supplemental contracts — by recorded vote with the board chair reading that all contracts were approved “also with the understanding that all of these contracts are contingent upon satisfactory background check, drug test, terms of contract, and other employment conditions and requirements.” The roll call recorded Wyatt, Mead and Dr. Howard voting yes and Mrs. King voting no.
The board agreed to consider a formal policy discussion at the September meeting to examine the practical implications of requiring completed background checks before any hire is permitted to work and to gather scenarios on how different approaches would affect staffing.
The public comment, board discussion and vote on personnel items occurred during the special session on Aug. 27; the board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2025.
