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Interim superintendent cites transition confusion; board members seek investigation
Summary
Interim Superintendent Jim Kitchen told the board that leadership turnover and a missed distribution of a year-and-a-half proposal created communication gaps; board members Chuck Melki and Autumn Henry said information had been withheld and discussed pursuing an investigation and FOIA requests.
Interim Superintendent Jim Kitchen told the Swartz Creek Community Schools Board on Aug. 27 that a proposal he had prepared was not received by the board as expected amid the district’s leadership transition, and said timing — not malice — caused a breakdown in communication.
Kitchen introduced incoming Student Board Representative Dezylyah Gibson, who he said will begin attending meetings on Sept. 24, and described plans to add a standing academic-achievement item to future agendas. Kitchen also said the proposal discussed had been circulated to former superintendent Rod Hetherton and others; he said he learned afterwards that the board had not actually received the document and that “there was a gap in communication.”
Board members Chuck Melki and Autumn Henry said the situation suggested information had been withheld from the board and discussed taking steps including an investigation and Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain missing records. The record shows Melki and Henry raised concerns that “the truth has been withheld from the Board.”
Kitchen also told the board the packet he referenced is available for purchase, noting that “the packet he was referring to can be purchased for $10.” The board did not take an immediate formal vote on an investigation during the meeting; members signaled they will pursue follow-up, and several asked staff to gather documents and clarify the sequence of communications.
