An agreement between Auburn and Jordan-Elbridge schools will allow the districts to share a transportation supervisor.
The intermunicipal agreement was passed at Wednesday’s regular school board meeting. The agreement allows Auburn’s transportation supervisor, Margaret Wise, to work from J-E 40 percent of her workweek, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“We didn’t feel like we needed a full-time person for this so we actually went out to see if there were any schools that were willing to share this position with us,” said Superintendent James Froio. “Auburn was willing to do that.”
The transportation supervisor will oversee the workings of the bus garage and transportation routes. Currently, the district is using the help of a few people to fill in for the role of supervisor: the district dispatcher, school business administrator Joseph Coleman, and a supervisor from the buildings and grounds department.
“We don’t have anyone, they’re all kind of piece-mealing together duties that would otherwise be done with a transportation supervisor,” Froio said. “This fills a gap for us and will allow the individuals to concentrate on their duties.”
Auburn will bill J-E for 40 percent of Wise’s salary and benefits. The agreement is effective today, Jan. 5, and ends June 30.
“This is a six month trial, we will see how it works out,” Froio said. “If both schools are satisfied with it, we may continue it longer.”
Both Auburn and J-E may opt out of the contract with 60 days notice to the other district.
In other J-E board news
The board agreed to enter into a contract with Miller Law Firm to provide legal counsel and defense for the district in the Anthony M. Scro v. Board of Education suit. The board has agreed to allow the Miller Law Firm to provide counsel for Diana Foote, Connie Drake and Penny Feeney, who are additionally named in the suit.
Scro, the former district treasurer, was terminated from his position in 2010. A Supreme Court judge ordered Scro to be reinstated, which was appealed, and Scro was ultimately told in September 2011 that his position would not be reinstated with the district. He has since filed in federal court for punitive damages related to his termination, saying the board of education and former board members have violated his First Amendment rights and caused defamation of character.
The board of education entered into executive session for discussion related to a particular person’s employment history, according to board president Brian Richardson. The executive session was called shortly after the meeting began, prior to the board’s action on any items.
Board member Dr. Michael Jorolemon spoke during the public comment section.
“I just want to congratulate [Superintendent Jim Froio] on making it six months with us,” Jorolemon said.
The next board of education meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, in the high school large instruction room. The budget development update planned for Wednesday’s meeting was canceled.
