Former HSE board president asks for no new superintendent action at this time

By LARRY LANNAN

LarryInFishers.com

Diane Eaton served on Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board for many years, and sat in the president’s chair for some time during that tenure.

Eaton addressed the board Wednesday night, asking that the contract for the new superintendent not be approved. No vote was scheduled Wednesday, but a public hearing was held and the contract was discussed with attorney David Day.

Eaton

The former board member argued an interim superintendent should be named and the search for a new leader for HSE Schools delayed because, according to Eaton, the board is not being transparent with the community by holding a public hearing on the contract when the new superintendent’s identity has not been revealed. Eaton added that state law does allow this.

Eaton also expressed concerns the pool of superintendent candidates is smaller due to the COVID pandemic.

Eaton urged the board to continue the search for a new superintendent. She said after the meeting that her comments represent the views of “hundreds” of families who have contacted her with the same concerns.

The board has announced a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22 to announce the new superintendent and approve her contract. (It appears the new superintendent is a woman based on the contract language and other interactions with school officials.)