Spring Grove board hires consultant for superintendent search after heated debate and public criticism

The Spring Grove Area School District board voted to hire the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools to run the districts next superintendent search under a hybrid model capped at $9,800, with up to $1,500 in incidental costs.

At the boards public meeting, Gabriela Kaluga, a taxpayer and parent from Jackson Township, urged the board to "start acting" with fiscal responsibility and called for accountability over its handling of the districts former superintendent, asserting that the board ignored warnings and noting media reports of a severance payout she described as "anywhere from $47,000 ... to close to $100,000." Kaluga also criticized cuts to teaching positions that she said accompanied a budget deficit.

The vote followed extended discussion among board members over three search options: an external consultant (option 1), an alternative consultant approach (option 2) and an internal or low-cost hybrid (option 3). Supporters of option 1 argued a consultant brings search expertise and a wider candidate pool and reduces the burden on internal staff. A board member in favor of option 1 said, "A consultant is really beneficial ... the expertise through the process," while others said the district must avoid repeating past mistakes and must increase transparency in the search.

Opponents argued that an internal search or a lower-cost approach would save taxpayer money and better use internal candidates; one member said an expensive hybrid model that requires significant outside spending should be avoided. The chair and several members acknowledged prior errors in the previous search and emphasized the need for greater transparency going forward.

After discussion and a motion to approve option 1, the board carried the measure and authorized the district to enter an agreement with the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools for the hybrid search approach. Two members were absent for personal reasons during the vote. The motion language approved by the board set a contract cap of $9,800 for the search and incidental costs not to exceed $1,500.

The board did not take any immediate action on the specific severance amounts discussed during public comment; those figures were presented by a public speaker as "reported by media." Board members said that the former superintendents contract was public and that the board would review contract language for future departures.

Next steps: The district will execute the consultant agreement and proceed with the hybrid search process as approved by the board.