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RatePersonnel issue takes CHS principal off job
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| Catskill High School Principal William Ball. Hudson-Catskill Newspapers File |
Reason for action not disclosed; Wemitt takes helm
By Jim Planck
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
CATSKILL — Catskill High School Principal William Ball has not been serving in that capacity since Thursday, Jan. 28, with Principal of Alternative Learning Program Patrick Wemitt filling those duties.
Ball’s status with the school could not be discussed by Catskill Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Farrell on Monday, citing the legality of personnel issues.
“This is a personnel matter, on which I have no comment,” Farrell said.
Farrell was, however, able to confirm Wemitt’s new duties.
“Principal of Alternative Learning Program Patrick Wemitt has assumed administrative responsibilities at the high school,” said Farrell.
“All of our academic functions and extracurricular activities are proceeding as normal,” she said. “School is about students, not about adults.”
“We are proceeding with all of our normal regular activities,” Farrell said.
Asked whether job performance at administrative positions — which includes the various principal slots within the district — is periodically reviewed, Farrell said it is.
She noted, however, that she was not responding to the question in any context related to the high school principal position, and that nothing should be inferred from it.
“In the normal course of activities,” she said, “there are annual evaluations for every employee of the school district.”
Accordingly, Farrell was unable to respond to any inquiry regarding Ball’s performance history.
Farrell was also unable legally to provide any reference as to why the principal position’s responsibilities were transferred to Wemitt, and declined to provide details on specifically when the action took place, but did confirm the date.
“It was this past Thursday, Jan. 28, at some time during the course of the school day,” she said.
Farrell was also unable to confirm when and where any discussion of Ball’s status will occur, but boards of education — though able to discuss personnel issues only in executive session — are equally able only to act on any consensus from executive session during the public session of a board meeting.
When asked, Farrell confirmed, “There’s a board meeting on Feb. 10,” but could not address whether Ball or the principalship of the high school would be on the agenda.
Procedurally, under state law, the chief executive officer of a school district — in most cases its superintendent — has authority to initiate suspension of an employee pending the next board meeting.
Ball has reportedly been with the district for about six or seven years.
***
To reach reporter Jim Planck, call 518-943-2100, ext. 3324, or e-mail jplanck@thedailymail.net. To comment on this story, visit www.thedailymail.net.
Ball’s status with the school could not be discussed by Catskill Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Farrell on Monday, citing the legality of personnel issues.
“This is a personnel matter, on which I have no comment,” Farrell said.
Farrell was, however, able to confirm Wemitt’s new duties.
“Principal of Alternative Learning Program Patrick Wemitt has assumed administrative responsibilities at the high school,” said Farrell.
“All of our academic functions and extracurricular activities are proceeding as normal,” she said. “School is about students, not about adults.”
“We are proceeding with all of our normal regular activities,” Farrell said.
Asked whether job performance at administrative positions — which includes the various principal slots within the district — is periodically reviewed, Farrell said it is.
She noted, however, that she was not responding to the question in any context related to the high school principal position, and that nothing should be inferred from it.
“In the normal course of activities,” she said, “there are annual evaluations for every employee of the school district.”
Accordingly, Farrell was unable to respond to any inquiry regarding Ball’s performance history.
Farrell was also unable legally to provide any reference as to why the principal position’s responsibilities were transferred to Wemitt, and declined to provide details on specifically when the action took place, but did confirm the date.
“It was this past Thursday, Jan. 28, at some time during the course of the school day,” she said.
Farrell was also unable to confirm when and where any discussion of Ball’s status will occur, but boards of education — though able to discuss personnel issues only in executive session — are equally able only to act on any consensus from executive session during the public session of a board meeting.
When asked, Farrell confirmed, “There’s a board meeting on Feb. 10,” but could not address whether Ball or the principalship of the high school would be on the agenda.
Procedurally, under state law, the chief executive officer of a school district — in most cases its superintendent — has authority to initiate suspension of an employee pending the next board meeting.
Ball has reportedly been with the district for about six or seven years.
***
To reach reporter Jim Planck, call 518-943-2100, ext. 3324, or e-mail jplanck@thedailymail.net. To comment on this story, visit www.thedailymail.net.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of thedailymail.net.
eversince911 wrote on Feb 2, 2010 11:49 PM:
" I think the tax payers hava right to know just exactly what the hell is going on here! What kind of a news report is this? No one can say anything? B/S! Get the story reported now. Stop fooling around. UNFREAKINREAL "
CHSAlum wrote on Feb 3, 2010 11:22 PM:
" I completely agree with the comment pertaining to tax payers rights. The issue should be looked into more. Something about the 'No comment' response to every question posed leads me to believe that there is something behind that answer. Having graduated the high school and having his signature on my diploma, I want to know what is behind the name he signed. Has anyone thought to ask other members of the faculty or staff? If the CIA and Armed Forces can give anonymous comments, why can't they do it as well. As an avid reader of this paper since I was old enough to read, I would like to see the quality journalism I know to be associated with the Daily Mail. There is more at stake here than personal privacy. "
citizenkane wrote on Feb 4, 2010 9:24 AM:
" Very irresponsible comment from "TheInsider" above. It's completely slanderous to throw unsubstantiated rumors around & sully this man's reputation. This principal has a family, solid reputation to date and has been a dedicated public educator for 8+ years. By all accounts he's done done an excellent job for the district. Let's reserve comment until we know the facts of the matter. "
kidsfirst wrote on Feb 4, 2010 5:10 PM:
" maybe, just maybe...this fellow has a temper problem! maybe that's why he's gone...from ciaro, from saugerties, and now catskill...maybe! "
realdeal wrote on Feb 4, 2010 5:33 PM:
" Most people wouldn't even consider this guys job in a high school. This is the same person that keeps our kids safe every day. If temper is an issue get him some help. Personally I'd like to know my kids princpal can get angry. Too many kids and employees need some of that. "
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traveler1 wrote on Feb 2, 2010 7:01 AM: