WBESC supt. to retire, but still help out

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Superintendent Brian Gerber is retiring … but not just yet. Gerber announced his retirement at the WBESC Governing Board’s April meeting this week, noting that he plans to retire at the end of the 2013-2014 school year — prior to the implementation of State Teacher Retirement System pension reforms in 2015.

“Mr. Gerber has always been open and forward with us in communication that STRS pension reform will force him to make a decision regarding his future,” Board President Nick Grubaugh said. “As a board, we are not in the market, or interested, in searching for a new superintendent.

“Mr. Gerber has led us through the last biennial budget and will continue to lead us through the new biennial budget,” Miller added. “We have been able to control cost, effectively serve our partner schools and operate in the black.”

According to Miller, the WBESC Governing Board has agreed with Gerber on a plan to allow the superintendent to serve as superintendent on a part-time basis for the 2014-2015 school year.

P. James Grubaugh, who has served on the board for 43 years, noted that Gerber’s conservative slant on school finances is a plus.

“Brian is a fiscal conservative who has a strong background in curriculum and is well networked, both at the state and national level,” Grubaugh noted. “In this economy, I want an experienced, ultraconservative leading our organization.”

Board member Billy Poe II said he felt the decision to keep Gerber part-time was best for the WBESC, while Board member Larry Zielke said he felt keeping Gerber part-time was a “win-win situation” for the board and WBESC in general.

Gerber said he was humbled by the board’s support. “I will work part-time as their superintendent during the 2014-2015 school year and we will evaluate this model throughout the year,” Gerber said. “The money saved on my salary and benefits will keep us operating in the black. If I feel like I’m not getting the job done, I will fire myself.”

Board member Ron Treece said he didn’t think that Gerber firing himself would be a likely option. “I’ve known Brian Gerber for many years, and he will get the job done, whether he works full-time or part-time,” Treece noted. “There is no question about that!”

Also during the April meeting, the WBESC board:

• Approved the non-renewal of two part-time paraprofessional positions and one part-time truancy officer position, effective the end of the current school year.
• Approved the following contracts for the 2013-2014 school year: Certified — Tina Kennedy, three-year limited; Harry Florence, Sara Linder, Rachel Powell and Angela Smith, two-year limited. Non-certified — Lacinda Crosby, Sandra Davis, Tianne Pendergrast, Deanna Wann and Lori Stefanek, all two-year limited contracts (part-time as needed by timesheet). Non-certified (Allen County) — Jamie Fields, Tracy Hutchinson and Debra Nolte, two-year limited contracts.
• Approved a non-base zero-percent salary increase for all certified, non-certified and associate degree employees for the 2013-2014 school year.
• Established the week of May 6-10 as Staff Appreciation Week to honor the WBESC staff members.
• Authorized a depository agreement with Antwerp Exchange Bank.
• Approved scholarships of $250 to Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award winners Graden Gudakunst of Wayne Trace High School (Paulding County) and Claire Dye of Lincolnview High School (Van Wert County).
• Adopted the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System model as approved by the State Board of Education.
• Approved a resolution opposing elimination of Educational Service Centers and urging the Ohio General Assembly to maintain funding for ESCs.

The next meeting of the WBESC Governing Board will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in the Van Wert ESC office.