Board approves retirement-and-rehire of assistant superintendent Randy Gephardt after 3–2 vote
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Summary
The West Clermont Local School Board voted 3–2 on April 6 to approve the retirement-and-rehire of Randy Gephardt as assistant superintendent/chief operating officer amid debate over district finances and whether eliminating the role would help pass a future operating levy.
On April 6, 2026, the West Clermont Local School Board approved the retirement-and-rehire of Randy Gephardt as assistant superintendent and chief operating officer by a 3–2 roll-call vote.
Superintendent (the speaker who identified themself as superintendent) recommended the action, saying Gephardt provides critical operational support and continuity. "Randy is my star center," the superintendent said, using a football analogy to describe Gephardt's role in supporting district operations and transitions.
Board member (S2) led the opposition, framing the question as fiscal rather than personal. "This is not about the man… This is about our financial future and what we can and can't afford," the board member said, urging elimination of the position to improve the district's prospects of passing an operating levy in November 2026. Another board member (S13) said the district should consider alternatives, such as hiring a director-level position rather than an assistant superintendent, to reduce administrative costs.
Board member (S7) argued in favor of retaining Gephardt, noting immediate operational savings the speaker attributed to his work: "He just saved us $1,500,000," S7 said, citing the transportation assessment and related efficiencies. The superintendent and supporters said the assistant superintendent role is already in the 2026–27 budget and provides needed leadership during a period of financial uncertainty.
After public discussion and board debate, the clerk conducted a roll-call vote: Mister Rudy — yes; Mister Chumley — yes; Miss Sanborn — no; Missus Spencer — no; Mister Patton — yes. The clerk announced the tally as 3 yes, 2 no, and that the motion carried.
The vote authorizes the superintendent to proceed with the retirement-and-rehire arrangement as presented to the board. The board did not record a mover or seconder by name in the segment; the superintendent's recommendation and subsequent motion were presented during the meeting. The district did not announce any immediate changes to compensation or an implementation timeline in the public discussion recorded at the meeting.
The meeting continued with superintendent comments and routine business following the vote.
