FROM STAFF REPORTS
Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education members appear to be moving toward asking district employees to evaluate the board’s performance through an anonymous survey.
During a discussion about reinstituting the board evaluations at last Monday’s board meeting, there were differing opinions among board members about the value of the evaluations.
District 4 representative Doug Knight said he was “highly motivated” to receive feedback from staff about the board’s work.
“I think it can give us some insight into how we are perceived, whether rightly or wrongly,” Knight said.
Brian Sloan, who represents District 1, also voiced his support for the evaluations. He was hopeful that employees could evaluate individual board members so he could learn how he could improve his service to his district.
District 5 representative Mike Kubiniec expressed his concern about adding another task to teachers and principals, who are already overburdened by state and federal mandates.
“I don’t think that’s what we should be doing,” he said. “The ultimate evaluation of a school board member is if they choose to run for re-election — they get voted in or voted out.”
Chairman Bill Howell said district employees would not be required to participate in the evaluations. They were done annually for more than a decade before previous Chairman Martin Page decided to discontinue the practice, Howell said.
The survey questions should be directly tied to the function of school board members, Superintendent Jeff James said.
Although he conceded that some of the evaluations in the past were “merciless,” Howell said there was value for the board in receiving feedback from district employees.
“It let people know where they stand,” the chairman said.
The board agreed to continue discussing the proposal during the August board meeting. Howell will provide sample questions for board members to consider.
The all-Republican board has been criticized publicly for much of the past year for infighting. Last fall Kubiniec was stripped of his vice chairmanship and censored by other board members. District 3 representative Abby Trent has also accused Kubiniec and his former campaign chair Micah Phelps of stalking her.
Meanwhile, Kubiniec and his wife have accused the superintendent and board members of committing perjury when they testified in a court hearing in which Trent sought a no-contact order against Kubiniec.
The board has also taken heat for the comments several board members made during secret text messages among the seven-member board and superintendent. For example, District 5 representative Anita Kurn suggested constructing a Thunderdome at Statesville High and having students with discipline issues fight. Other messages took aim at Iredell County commissioners and other local elected officials.
The board is also being sued by Iredell Free News, which alleges that the text messages violate North Carolina’s open meetings laws.
All Republican board? I don’t think so. You’ve got 3 Democrats in disguise and it shows with votes!
Josh: Please name a minimum of two votes that prove your theory.
Definitely think this is a good idea. Constructive feedback is always good. Why would some of them not want to be evaluated? I remember that one in particular was pushing an evaluation of the superintendent & the board attorney. But now he is against the district evaluating him. Ironic.
How far along is Anita Kurn with the construction of her Thunderdome? This woman should not be making any decisions that involve the children of this community.
Suzie Smith, please make sure your comments are based in truth before spreading falsehoods. Were you even present at or did you even watch video recordings of the meetings? Firstly, superintendent evaluations are required by law. Mr. Kubiniec was only trying to push for a timely completion of the evaluation since the policy requires a date and it wasn’t being followed.
Secondly, I don’t think there should necessarily be a formal attorney evaluation; rather, I would simply let them know if there are problem areas and room for improvement, especially since their services cost money. Certainly, renewed contracts would be the ultimate test whether board members are happy with the services they provide.
Lastly, in regards to the survey, he thought that an election would better serve voters rather than burdening school employees with an additional task. Besides, the school board represents additional stakeholders – students, parents, teachers, taxpayers, etc.
As for the constant reiteration of what Mr. Kubiniec did or did not do, the judge dismissed the civil case against him because Miss Trent’s allegations could not be proven. The idea that he repeatedly drove by her house in the middle of the night and took pictures is beyond ridiculous. Plus, she had absolutely no family members testify that he contacted them to get information to defame her. In addition, the witnesses that testified did NOT tell the truth – he never yelled loudly or screamed during the Nov. 6th board meeting. Asking a question about someone’s residency is now considered stalking and harassment? Again, ridiculous. If that’s all they had to go on, that’s pitiful.
What’s pitiful is how you continually jump on here to your convicted drug offender son’s defense & his puppets Kubiniec & Kurn. The county doesn’t see things in your twisted view. Your son is not getting his way & quite frankly those of us in Iredell are tired of his & your temper tantrums. Transparency is a great thing unless it makes you or your puppets look bad. Remember what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Bring on the board evaluations. We staff are looking forward to them.
This is not Ms. Schooley. Period. And my comments have nothing to do with her son.
Busted nowhere was Jill Schooley’s name mentioned
But we already knew Mrs Silence Dogood is Jill Schooley
It’s now clear that the fruit (Miach) doesn’t fall far from the tree 😂😂😂😂
Jill,
Is Micah boy still living his best life or is he back in the ville?
I’m still waiting on the tell all episode of the little patriot show?
You know, the one where he and the preacher were going to tell on everyone!
The one all the politicians were losing sleep over.
Silence do good is not Jill Phelps Schooly. It is Mrs Kubinec, Captain Ks bride.