By TARA HETTINGER
The director of student services for Greater Clark County Schools is now the interim superintendent, after a 5 to 2 vote at Monday night’s school board meeting.
Travis Haire will start his new role today, until a permanent superintendent is named. He replaces Tony Bennett, who was elected to the state’s top education position — superintendent of public instruction — last month.
Board Secretary Missy DeArk — who voted against the appointment along with board Vice President Robbie Valentine — said before she voted that Greater Clark is facing tough times and will continue to do so in the near future.
Earlier in the meeting, the board approved a 2009 budget that will yield about a $2.5 million deficit if the board spends the estimated amount and if revenues stay as projected.
“That’s going to take a lot of work,” DeArk said of making reductions. “Of course, we as a board will do that as best as we can without affecting kids, but it will affect kids.
“That’s the bottom line. We have no reserves. Our reserves are gone.”
She said that is just part of the challenges, adding that with the state changing how schools are funded next year, there is much uncertainty. She also said the school system is dealing with several litigation issues, of which she could not go into detail.
“I think it is probably one of the worst times Greater Clark has ever seen,” DeArk said.
She said Greater Clark needs a person with experience who can help with those issues.
Haire said he understands DeArk’s concerns and agrees there are issues to be dealt with. He said is “ready to hit the ground running,” starting today.
“That’s why the theme for the next semester, as far as I’m concerned, has to be perseverance,” Haire said, adding that his goal is to leave Greater Clark in better shape when the new superintendent is named than it is today. “My charge is to persevere, to work hard and to confront those issues.
“We do have difficult issues we’re going to have to confront, but we’re going to confront them and be true to our core value, which is doing what’s best for kids.”
Haire also said he has a child in the school system, which is something board member Christina Gilkey sees as an advantage.
“I feel like local people who have an investment in this community — in this school corporation — have a child in the district, they deserve an opportunity, because they have a lot to lose if they don’t work really hard for us,” Gilkey said. “I think Travis is motivated by those factors ... nobody is going to be more motivated than him to do a good job.”
Valentine — who heads the committee to search for the interim and permanent superintendent — said six candidates were interviewed. Of those, two work for Greater Clark.
Those six were narrowed down to three for the follow-up interview — which included the two internal candidates. All board members were able to go and ask questions at each interview session, Gilkey said.
Candidates have until Dec. 10 to apply for the permanent superintendent position. Haire said he has not applied and is unsure if he will.
Gilkey said she is hoping whoever is hired will be there long-term.
“I’m excited if they’ll stick around for a while and help us grow and become everything we should be,” Gilkey said. “Four CEOs in six years is just bad business. This will be our fourth superintendent in six years. From a business perspective, that’s horrible.”
Haire, since he is already contracted with the corporation, has to undergo some contractual changes after being named to his new position. The board will address that at a future meeting, once the details between he and the board are finalized.
