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Superintendent announces Aug. 1 departure as board debates hiring process and internal disputes
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Tobak announced he will step down effective Aug. 1; trustees discussed an accelerated superintendent search, disputed claims of 'secret' meetings and staff departures, and heard public criticism about transparency and investigation reports.
Superintendent Dr. Tobak used the Wayne Board of Education’s Dec. 12 meeting to summarize district accomplishments and to announce he will step down as superintendent effective Aug. 1, 2025, opening a timeline the board said it must meet to hire a successor.
Dr. Tobak highlighted academic achievements, new programs including the house model at Anthony Wayne and wellness initiatives, and community service activities across schools. "...our schools continue to shine," he said while thanking staff, families and trustees and noting that the district will begin budget work and redistricting next year.
Trustees discussed the need to move quickly on a superintendent search so a candidate could take office Aug. 1. One trustee said competitive candidates often have 90–120 days separation requirements and argued the board needed to act promptly; another trustee criticized moves made in a recent special meeting as rushed and urged greater transparency and community engagement.
Tension over process and transparency surfaced repeatedly. Several board members pushed back on allegations of 'secret' meetings and defended the hiring timeline, while at least one trustee and a public commenter accused board leadership of excluding members from discussions and of using consultants or reports whose conclusions they disputed. A public commenter said an OPRA tally showed approximately $24,000 in legal fees tied to recent disputes and called for accountability; board members disputed some characterizations and emphasized the need to refocus on students.
During the meeting the board also welcomed Dr. Lauren Kasmar as assistant superintendent (her first official meeting), and reported the district had 27 HIB incidents that month, of which 11 were confirmed after investigation. Trustees also thanked departing member Mrs Wck for three years of service.
Board members said they intend to continue work on redistricting and other major projects in the coming months and signaled the superintendent search will be a priority in early 2025. The board did not formalize a public-search timeline or voting calendar at the Dec. 12 meeting beyond saying it would begin planning in the new year.
The board adjourned after approving a set of personnel and administrative items. Any formal next steps for the superintendent search, additional independent reviews or referrals to outside authorities were discussed but not finalized at the meeting.
