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Board approves elimination of student-support supervisor role after heated debate; vote 6–3
Summary
After public letters of support and extended debate over transparency, the board voted 6–3 to approve elimination of a student mental-health supervisory position; some directors said the change was part of a superintendent-led restructuring and others cited lack of prior notice.
The Erie Public Schools board approved a motion Wednesday to eliminate a supervisory position that coordinated behavioral and mental-health programming after a contentious discussion that included public letters and testimony in support of the incumbent.
The motion to eliminate the position (described in public comment and in letters as the role held by Lori Pickkins, supervisor of BIS and MH programming) passed on a roll-call vote: Miss Graph, Miss Mki, Mr. Nichols, Miss Amatangelo, Miss Kulie and Dr. J. Brenamman voted yes; Mr. Harkkins, Mr. Horton and Mr. Sharief voted no. Several board members and numerous teachers and community members submitted letters urging the position be retained. Board members who supported the elimination said the superintendent requested a restructuring as part of efforts to align services and respond to performance data; dissenting board members criticized the timing and transparency of the personnel change.
Board member Mr. Sharief read multiple letters from teachers and former administrators supporting retention of the role and questioned the decision-making process and notice to elected directors. Supporters of the superintendent’s plan said restructuring is within the superintendent’s authority and part of broader efforts to improve district systems.
The vote completed a formal personnel action taken during the separations portion of the agenda. Administration did not provide a public, itemized staffing reorganization chart at the meeting; board members asked for clearer communication and said they expect additional details on how services will be preserved or reallocated following the elimination.
