Board discusses posting of director of curriculum position after contract questions; trustees split on remote-work concerns

Trustees discussed the district’s director of curriculum and instruction contract and whether to post the position after procedural confusion about a contract offer and an outstanding contract acceptance.

Board members said an approved contract had been sent but that counsel informed them the board’s prior action had not created a binding contract with the prospective hire. Trustees debated whether to resend or repost the position. Some trustees said the district should post the position if a contract is not executed; others argued that the candidate recommended by the interview committee had been the committee’s choice and that rescinding or reposting would be a loss.

Trustees also debated the candidate’s request for partial remote work (approximately 40 days working remotely, as described in discussion) and whether that would create a perception problem if others are expected in the building full time. Several trustees said they prefer staff to be physically present in the building more consistently; others defended flexibility and work-life balance.

Why it matters: The director of curriculum and instruction is a senior position affecting teaching and learning programs; contract and remote-work terms could affect recruitment and continuity for the district’s curriculum agenda.

Next steps: The board did not adopt a final motion to repost at this meeting. Trustees indicated the original contract remains available for the candidate to sign while the board clarified its procedural position; the item may reappear on a future agenda depending on counsel’s guidance and the candidate’s response.