Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Talk _ Michael Harding has "retired" from the MCAS
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 23 2009, 06:45 PM
I have been unable to get a confirmation on the story itself, but I did confirm with others that the rumors are out there with various degrees of information in them. The big thing is that supposedly Harding is about to resign from the MCAS and take a similar position running the East Chicago school system.
I will pass on more info as I can get some other verification.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 23 2009, 07:25 PM
Although I do know that teachers did not receive their typical welcome back to school letter from the superintendent this year.
Posted by: Dave Aug 23 2009, 07:32 PM
Apparently East Chicago has been without a superintendent of their school system since February.
While I certainly wouldn't mind Michael Harding leaving his position at MCAS, I hope East Chicago knows what it's getting. At this point I don't know if Mr. Harding would be qualified to serve as a school janitor, let alone as a school superintendent.
Posted by: Ang Aug 23 2009, 08:40 PM
My question is is he really going to drive from Goshen to E.C. every day? MC is not good enough for him to live here, there is no way on God's green earth he would live in EC. This is crazier than anything else I've heard. I'm inclined to think it's simply a rumor or wishful thinking on our parts.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 24 2009, 06:50 AM
Well a part of it makes very good sense. Remember in the past he has been able to govern however he pleased, because he had a 5-2 school board majority to protect him. That slipped 4-3 a couple of years, and now has seemingly gone against him by that same 4-3 margin.
Also remember that the Board can annually stop the automatic extension of his contract for another year, by holding a vote on it by December 31st. It was a controversial topic last year, and it passed by a 4-3 vote. This year, there is a very good chance that the board would NOT renew him, which would be worse for his career than taking a job a little further away than he currently drives now.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 24 2009, 07:33 AM
WIMS radio is also reporting that there will be a special executive session meeting of the school board on August 31st.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 24 2009, 07:43 AM
Also tomorrow is the biweekly school board meeting. Unfortunately I have a Planning Commission meeting to be in, but I would love someone to ask about this in the public comment section.
Posted by: NDReporter Aug 24 2009, 08:15 AM
Also tomorrow is the biweekly school board meeting. Unfortunately I have a Planning Commission meeting to be in, but I would love someone to ask about this in the public comment section.
Hi, I just started working at the News-Dispatch as a reporter, I came here from Iowa not too long ago. I've been assigned to attend the school board meeting tomorrow night and was aware of the executive session coming up next week. The results of those meetings are public record -- basically what action was taken against whom -- so I was planning on asking for that ahead of time to make sure I get it right away after the meeting. I will keep this rumor in mind also and ask about it during or after the school board meeting.
I'm going to make a post introducing myself, so anyone who wants to talk can do it there! Thanks.
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 24 2009, 10:23 AM
You can always count on my being at the MCAS Board Meetings!!!
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 24 2009, 10:32 AM
You can always count on my being at the MCAS Board Meetings!!!
Please ask and let us know what is said!!!
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 25 2009, 07:31 AM
So in the category of FWIW, none of the officials I contacted about Harding's status have returned emails. That probably is a good sign that he is not staying on in MC, or there would have been an instant denial.
I think we are going to get a leak at tonights school board meeting.
Posted by: Tom Burns Aug 25 2009, 10:32 AM
So in the category of FWIW, none of the officials I contacted about Harding's status have returned emails. That probably is a good sign that he is not staying on in MC, or there would have been an instant denial.
I think we are going to get a leak at tonights school board meeting.
Yes speculation came out early this week.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 25 2009, 05:10 PM
I am walking out the door now, but Harding is NOT at the meeting. Iacona is standing in for him. Classy of him, to stand up for himself in front of the community that has put over a half of a million dollars into his pocket.
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 25 2009, 06:03 PM
Harding "retired" tonight and is no longer Supt of Schools for the MCAS!!!
***DOES THE HAPPY DANCE***
(it's a good start)
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 25 2009, 07:06 PM
The wife said he had his resignation letter read for him. What a spineless man. He can't even have any class when he is sneaking out the backdoor. Good riddance. Hopefully our next super can at least work with people.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 25 2009, 07:18 PM
http://mcasnow.mcas.k12.in.us:81/department-news/communications/superintendent-harding-to-step-down
“I want to thank the entire Michigan City Area Schools community – the Board of School Trustees, the teachers, parents, staff, and students. It has been a privilege to work with all of you over the past five years. Working together, we have made great progress to improve our schools,” Harding said. “This has not been an easy decision for me, but I think the time is right to pursue other challenges and opportunities. I am confident that the future is bright for the Michigan City Area Schools.”
Board of School Trustees President Jim Kintzele thanked Superintendent Harding for his service. “We appreciate the dedication and vision that he brought to Michigan City, and we wish him the best in the future.”
The Board will begin its search for Harding’s successor immediately. Dr. Carla Iacona, Assistant Superintendent for K-12 Administration, will serve as Acting Superintendent until Board members have named an Interim Superintendent.
Posted by: Ang Aug 25 2009, 08:52 PM
It'll be alright so long as Iacona isn't interim or hired as the actual Super.
Posted by: Tom Burns Aug 26 2009, 04:16 AM
It'll be alright so long as Iacona isn't interim or hired as the actual Super.
The problem is the system which is little more than a professional union, restricting the appointment of superintendents to educators. This is the case universally in the U.S. Educators belong in classrooms and in design of education content, not in running multi-million dollar corporations. IBM does not have scientists as chief administrators. GE does not have pure engineers as presidents.
Some years ago a friend with a strong business background including an MBA was hired as business manager of a west Chicago suburban school system. I thought they are on the right track! But the system dictated later that if he was to earn more income, he had to obtain an advanced degree in education, that is get brainwashed into the system.
Posted by: SAW Aug 26 2009, 04:22 AM
The problem is the system which is little more than a professional union, restricting the appointment of superintendents to educators. This is the case universally in the U.S. Educators belong in classrooms and in design of education content, not in running multi-million dollar corporations. IBM does not have scientists as chief administrators. GE does not have pure engineers as presidents.
Some years ago a friend with a strong business background including an MBA was hired as business manager of a west Chicago suburban school system. I thought they are on the right track! But the system dictated later that if he was to earn more income, he had to obtain an advanced degree in education, that is get brainwashed into the system.
So the superintendent isn't even gone a day and already somebody is complaining of the interm superintendent.
Posted by: Ang Aug 26 2009, 05:47 AM
So the superintendent isn't even gone a day and already somebody is complaining of the interm superintendent.
I have complained about Iacona since I was an employee with the school system. And no, I didn't actually complain about her in my post, all I said was lets hope she is not picked as interim or hired permanently. Acting is ok if only for a short time IMO.
BTW, welcome to the board and thanks for insulting me with your first post.
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 26 2009, 06:17 AM
I hope she's next on the list for "retirement".
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 26 2009, 06:20 AM
So the superintendent isn't even gone a day and already somebody is complaining of the interm superintendent.
Sure, why not? "Dr." Iacona has been around the MCAS long enough for someone to form an educated opinion of her abilities, or lack thereof.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 26 2009, 08:04 AM
Hey Eric, I saw you mentioned (on the facebook page) a $60k rumored payout to Harding... Isn't that something which would have to be approved by the board?
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 26 2009, 08:59 AM
The Board did approve Harding's "retirement" package. The Consent Agenda listed Harding's departure as retirement and not resignation. Not sure why everyone is saying he resigned when he actually retired. I have several calls, e-mails, and soon a request for public records request to find out the details of the deal. I am not holding my breath on the results of my inquiries.
On another note, the East Chicago School Board is meeting tomorrow in regular session and will announce their new superintendant. East Chicago School Board President Fernando Travino would not confirm or deny if Harding is being selected, was a final candidate, or even applied for the position. The meeting is scheduled for 12:30PM at Central High School.
The East Chicago School Board has a "special" meeting scheduled for tonight. But Mr. Travino said that no personnel decisions are being made. I have copies of both meeting agendas and would post them here if CBTL allowed.
***EDIT*** East Chicago Meeting Agenda Attached
Attached File(s)
East_Chicago_Agenda_26_8_09.pdf ( 33.84k )
Number of downloads: 198Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 26 2009, 09:02 AM
The Board did approve Harding's "retirement" package. The Consent Agenda listed Harding's departure as retirement and not resignation. Not sure why everyone is saying he resigned when he actually retired. I have several calls, e-mails, and soon a request for public records request to find out the details of the deal. I am not holding my breath on the results of my inquiries.
On another note, the East Chicago School Board is meeting tomorrow in regular session and will announce their new superintendant. East Chicago School Board President Fernando Travino would not confirm or deny if Harding is being selected, was a final candidate, or even applied for the position. The meeting is scheduled for 12:30PM at Central High School.
The East Chicago School Board has a "special" meeting scheduled for tonight. But Mr. Travino said that no personnel decisions are being made. I have copies of both meeting agendas and would post them here if CBTL allowed.
They should be FOIA items. I don't see what the problem would be getting the info.
Also feel free to post any of the items, I know I would love to see them, and I would bet I am not alone.
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 26 2009, 09:09 AM
They should be FOIA items. I don't see what the problem would be getting the info.
Also feel free to post any of the items, I know I would love to see them, and I would bet I am not alone.
I did not know you fixed the file post feature. The meeting agendas are posted in my original post.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 26 2009, 09:20 AM
I did not know you fixed the file post feature. The meeting agendas are posted in my original post.
Ah, sorry I thought I posted that pics and the like were fixed.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 26 2009, 10:28 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=25405&TM=39809.61
Superintendent will receive $59K in severance
Alicia Ebaugh
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY - Even before his announcement of superintendent Michael Harding's retirement at Tuesday's Michigan City Area Schools board meeting, President Jim Kintzele asked for order in the room.
Considering Harding's controversial track record in Michigan City, the warning wasn't without merit. But Kintzele was greeted with silence. Turns out no one, including the nearly 30 attendees, had much to say about it - including Harding himself. He wasn't even there.
Harding had executive administrative assistant Tonya Falls read a four-page statement at the meeting, thanking the board members who appointed him in 2004, present board members, school employees and others in the community for their work. The statement did not address why the 58-year-old decided to retire or his future plans.
In a separate news release, Harding said, "This has not been an easy decision for me, but I think the time is right to pursue other challenges and opportunities." In 2007 he was in the running for at least two out-of-state school superintendent positions, but was not hired.
Harding did not return phone messages left Tuesday.
Effective Wednesday, Harding's retirement leaves Michigan City schools without a superintendent after the first day of classes. "The transition will be difficult, but we'll find a way through it," said Betsy Kohn, director of communications for the school district. "Our first step is to find an interim superintendent, then we'll start our search."
According to an amendment made to Harding's superintendent contract at Tuesday's meeting, he will receive $59,000, half of his yearly salary, as a severance payment upon retirement. He will also be reimbursed for unused vacation and sick days. If his contract had simply been terminated, the school board would have had to pay him his salary for the remainder of his contract, which was automatically extended last year to June 30, 2011. That would have cost more than $255,000.
Rumors of Harding's plan to leave the school district surfaced late last week following an executive session held Thursday to discuss the issue, board member Beryle Burgwald said.
"I was more surprised by the rumors than I was by the announcement. The more calls I got, the more they expanded," Burgwald said. "First he was going to one place, then another."
Harding's retirement announcement was made at the first public opportunity following the meeting, Kintzele said. Both Burgwald and Kintzele said Harding has not told the board what his plans are after leaving the school district.
Harding is best known for butting heads with the teachers' union over their contract, which was expired for more than a year. Negotiations evolved into pickets at School Board meetings, and lawn signs and billboards proclaiming "No Confidence" in the superintendent. But one of Harding's most important contributions to the district was his work on its strategic plan, which serves as a guideline to improving 10 outlined areas within the school system.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 26 2009, 10:35 AM
And as for his "achievements", Michael Harding might be the king of revisionist history. Rather than go into again, I'll drop a link to a post of mine from a couple of years ago.
http://www.citybythelake.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=395&st=0&p=1685&#entry1685
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 26 2009, 10:38 AM
$59k in severance, I was close.
Posted by: SAW Aug 27 2009, 03:46 AM
I have complained about Iacona since I was an employee with the school system. And no, I didn't actually complain about her in my post, all I said was lets hope she is not picked as interim or hired permanently. Acting is ok if only for a short time IMO.
BTW, welcome to the board and thanks for insulting me with your first post.
Posted by: Tom Burns Aug 27 2009, 04:33 AM
Problems within the management of the school system pre-date the recent superintendent. About 1990 an earlier superintendent brought in Michigan State University education consultants and set up a task force of 100 persons to develop a five year plan. We met off and on for a year with the superintendent and consultants. Although I know of no one who entered the evaluation with an agenda concerning the superintendent, a consensus developed that he needed to be removed if the schools were to achieve any reasonable goals, and he was subsequently dismissed. That is when it became apparent that educators often do not make good managers.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 27 2009, 11:50 AM
My question would be if he takes another job, do we get the $59,000 back?
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=25431
Alicia Ebaugh
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Area Schools board was only following precedent when it awarded Superintendent Michael Harding half a year's pay as severance when he requested to retire, President Jim Kintzele said.
"There are severance packages provided to all administrators who have retired, and this is a continuation of that precedent done in order to be fair," Kintzele said. "We tried to handle this as properly and ethically as we could, but no matter what you do, there will always be questions, I suppose."
Harding asked to retire from the school district two or three weeks ago, Kintzele said, and began working with the school district's attorney, William Kaminski, La Porte. The board unanimously voted to give Harding $59,000, plus his unused sick and vacation days upon his retirement, which was effective Wednesday.
"His reasons pertained to family and personal matters, and I didn't question him," Kintzele said. "I took him at his word that he was telling me the truth."
Neither Harding nor Kaminski returned phone messages Wednesday.
Posted by: NDReporter Aug 27 2009, 12:49 PM
My question would be if he takes another job, do we get the $59,000 back?
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=25431
Nope. People "retire" all the time from the public sector and then take new jobs in the private sector. Uncool, but that's the breaks.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 27 2009, 04:28 PM
Nope. People "retire" all the time from the public sector and then take new jobs in the private sector. Uncool, but that's the breaks.
Yeah, it was announced he was hired on a three year contract at East Chicago today. He stole $60,000 from Michigan City students as far as I am concerned.
Posted by: southyards Aug 27 2009, 04:37 PM
"The Board did approve Harding's "retirement" package. The Consent Agenda listed Harding's departure as retirement and not resignation. Not sure why everyone is saying he resigned when he actually retired. I have several calls, e-mails, and soon a request for public records request to find out the details of the deal. I am not holding my breath on the results of my inquiries."
It could be that using the term “retire” rather than the term “resign, could have a financial benefit for Harding. Depending on his age and years of “service” (I think they have to total 85), he could say that he is retiring and then collect teachers/administrators retirement pay and then go on board with another school corporation as an administrator, draw a salary and continue to draw the retirement pay at the same time. This loophole has been modified recently, but there is still some ambiguity in the wording which may allow some persons to draw retirement plus salary.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 27 2009, 05:08 PM
"The Board did approve Harding's "retirement" package. The Consent Agenda listed Harding's departure as retirement and not resignation. Not sure why everyone is saying he resigned when he actually retired. I have several calls, e-mails, and soon a request for public records request to find out the details of the deal. I am not holding my breath on the results of my inquiries."
It could be that using the term “retire” rather than the term “resign, could have a financial benefit for Harding. Depending on his age and years of “service” (I think they have to total 85), he could say that he is retiring and then collect teachers/administrators retirement pay and then go on board with another school corporation as an administrator, draw a salary and continue to draw the retirement pay at the same time. This loophole has been modified recently, but there is still some ambiguity in the wording which may allow some persons to draw retirement plus salary.
Its not much of an administrator of children who uses loopholes to make himself money. Especially when that money is coming at the expense of things like other teachers and staff members.
Posted by: southyards Aug 27 2009, 06:24 PM
Good Luck, East Chicago!
SOURCE: NWI.COM 8/27/09
EAST CHICAGO | Michael Harding was named East Chicago's newest school superintendent Thursday. He signed a three-year contract and starts the job on Monday.
Harding retired effective Wednesday from Michigan City Area Schools. Thursday's announcement ends a week of speculation the 59-year-old Harding would be named in East Chicago.
Standing at a podium addressing the School Board and members of the audience, Harding described the East Chicago district as one with great students and committed staff but significant challenges.
Harding's salary will be around $130,000. Harding and his wife, who are the parents of three adult children, also committed to moving to East Chicago. He had been the superintendent in Michigan City since 2004.
East Chicago School Board President Fernando Trevino said the board, which unanimously approved the appointment, looks forward to "many years of success" under Harding's leadership.
Trevino also said he was impressed that Harding intended to move into the district.
With the help of a university search team, East Chicago school officials have been looking for a superintendent since February when previous superintendent, Juan Anaya, and the board parted ways.
A variety of people including Assistant Superintendent Dawn Greene, retired Griffith Superintendent Bill Gall and former East Chicago school consultant Michael Livovich, who is also a former Hanover superintendent, filled in the gaps.
"It all came together rather quickly," Harding said, minutes after greeting the board and meeting some of the district's key administrators.
Harding said he's done a lot of research on East Chicago but there are still many things he didn't know.
"I do know you've got some of the greatest kids here. I know the instructional staff is working hard and there's a determined administrative staff at the central office and building level. I recognize there are great things going on here but there are also significant challenges," he said.
Harding said a superintendent is good for two things, and that's to improve and increase the educational opportunities for students, and he hopes to do that in East Chicago.
Harding had been with the Michigan City Area Schools for five years, and still had some time left on his contract.
His tenure in Michigan City was not without some controversy. According to published reports, the teachers ratified a contract a few weeks ago after working without a new agreement for more than a year. A redistricting plan for the district fell through and in May voters rejected a request to build a new $39.5 million career center for the Michigan City Area Schools.
Posted by: JHeath Aug 27 2009, 08:10 PM
Its not much of an administrator of children who uses loopholes to make himself money. Especially when that money is coming at the expense of things like other teachers and staff members.
Which translates into our kids really missing out...or losing.
What E. Chicago believes is their gain is actually ours.
Posted by: Ang Aug 27 2009, 08:26 PM
First I would like to say, Good reporting Alicia! Very well written and easily understood.
The last item seems to be a repeat of an item in the N-D about 5 years ago only with some different names. I recall Harding making similar promises to the MCAS and none of those promises were fulfilled.
We'll have to keep an eye on what goes on in EC to see if there is a pattern here....
Posted by: Dave Aug 27 2009, 08:33 PM
the link for the story southyards quoted:
http://nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/article_a0f0d4ce-c70b-5363-818a-81d0e6d90eec.html
Posted by: Ang Aug 28 2009, 08:24 AM
I edited the topic title of this thread to agree with the official story.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 28 2009, 01:07 PM
I edited the topic title of this thread to agree with the official story.
Nice edit. A part of me wants to send a letter to the local papers over there to let them know what they are in for.
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 28 2009, 01:11 PM
Nice edit. A part of me wants to send a letter to the local papers over there to let them know what they are in for.
I spoke with Mr. Travino, East Chicago School Board President, on Wednesday. If you want I have his cell number. PM me if you would like it.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 28 2009, 01:40 PM
I spoke with Mr. Travino, East Chicago School Board President, on Wednesday. If you want I have his cell number. PM me if you would like it.
I'm more interested in the students and parents in the system knowing what they are getting. I imagine Mr Travino already knows.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 28 2009, 01:53 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=25470&TM=43547.39
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - On the heels of his resignation as superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools, Michael Harding was hired Thursday as superintendent of the East Chicago Public Schools.
The East Chicago School Board unanimously voted to award a three-year contract to Harding, 58, at an annual salary of approximately $132,000, Board President Fernando Trevino said. Harding's appointment was effective Thursday.
"We went through a thorough and vigorous superintendent search," Trevino said. "We're looking for positive things from him. He seemed to be the right fit for our school district, and he has the leadership skills to lead this system."
Harding is expected to make an impact in improving test scores, graduation rates and attendance, according to Trevino. The board agreed to help with moving expenses for Harding, who attended the board meeting and made a commitment to move to East Chicago.
Harding did not attend the MCAS board meeting on Tuesday, when his resignation was announced in a four-page statement read by Tonya Falls, executive administrative assistant. In a news release issued before the board meeting, Harding said, "I think the time is right to pursue other challenges and opportunities."
Harding was being paid $118,000 a year here, and is receiving half of his salary in severance pay, $59,000, as well as reimbursement for unused vacation and sick days.
During his five-year tenure as superintendent in Michigan City, Harding was criticized for maintaining his Granger, Ind., residence. He also drew negative comments from teachers and members of the public for contract negotiations with the teachers union that extended for more than a year after the contract expired. Anti-Harding signs appeared on people's lawns and the teachers union paid for billboards criticizing him.
More recently, Harding's leadership was challenged when the school board rejected three redistricting proposals and sent the redistricting committee back to the drawing board. And, in a special election, Michigan City defeated a proposal to build an estimated $38 million tech center.
In 2007, Harding was in the running for at least two out-of-state school superintendent positions, but was not hired.
Michigan City Area Schools has started the 2009-10 school year without a superintendent. Betsy Kohn, director of communications for the school district, said Tuesday a search is under way to find an interim superintendent. Assistant Superintendent Carla Iacona is serving as acting superintendent.
Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Posted by: Dave Aug 28 2009, 02:13 PM
I'm glad the ND used the term "resigned" instead of "retired". Pity the MCAS didn't have the stones to actually fire the guy -- might have saved East Chicago some pain down the line.
So he's going from $118K here to $132K in East Chicago. Talk about failing upward...
Posted by: Tom Burns Aug 29 2009, 08:22 AM
School board member Beryle Burgwald said on WEFM this morning that Harding may not be entitled to the $59,000 separation payment. Burgwald told WEFM listeners he hopes to meet Monday with board president Jim Kintzele to assess how to negate the payment. In order to be eligible for the payment the resigned superintendent must not have been re-employed for 90 days, according to Burgwald. Harding accepted his new position almost immediately, possibly before resigning in Michigan City. Stay tuned for developments. (Historically Bergwald has been the legal conscience of Michigan City.)
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 29 2009, 08:32 AM
Oh sweet! Please be true!
Posted by: Tom Burns Aug 29 2009, 09:53 AM
Oh sweet! Please be true!
We fortunately had a tape rolling and the statement will start airing on the noon news. Wish I could have been there but I have been in central Illinois setting up for the Farm Progress Show coverage (the world's fair of agriculture). However I heard the broadcast on WEFM on our back haul audio feed. You are free to use any part of our coverage, but it is copyright protected from being used by local media without legal attribution. We have had problems with lifting of news....no further comment.
Posted by: eric.hanke Aug 29 2009, 09:55 AM
Mike, don't you have a copy of the contract???
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 29 2009, 09:57 AM
Mike, don't you have a copy of the contract???
There is nothing in there about the retirement stuff. That would have been a new agreement.
We fortunately had a tape rolling and the statement will start airing on the noon news. Wish I could have been there but I have been in central Illinois setting up for the Farm Progress Show coverage (the world's fair of agriculture). However I heard the broadcast on WEFM on our back haul audio feed. You are free to use any part of our coverage, but it is copyright protected from being used by local media without legal attribution. We have had problems with lifting of news....no further comment.
Thank you. I do always make sure to give proper credit for anything we report here, which is why I make sure links are always included if possible.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 30 2009, 08:35 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=50&SubSectionID=72&ArticleID=25450&TM=38091.73
The Issue:
The school board granted Harding severance pay when he quit.
Our Opinion:
His taking a new job underscores the need to change this severance practice.
Severance pay
Michael Harding gets $59,000
Editorial
The Michigan City Area Schools policy on granting severance pay to superintendents who resign needs to be reversed.
Michael Harding's acceptance of a new position as superintendent of schools in East Chicago Thursday ought to be evidence enough that the school board was foolhardy in offering him $59,000 of the public's money when he "retired" from MCAS this week.
Harding was given a half year's pay as a severance package by the MCAS school board Tuesday.
In explaining the severance pay, Board President Jim Kintzele said granting severance to resigning superintendents is a matter of precedent. When Linda Anast-May took retirement in 2003, she got a similar package, on top of the retirement benefits she was afforded as a retired educator. She then took a job in Illinois.
Now Harding has done something similar, taking a job that pays $132,000 a year. He must be laughing all the way to the bank.
State law in effect requires school corporations to pay significant severance pay to superintendents when school boards break their contracts and fire them. Under law, superintendents get a three-year contract when they are hired. Unless the school board votes against extending the contract by the end of each year, it automatically is extended another year.
So every superintendent has a cushion of up to three years' pay in case a school board decides it just isn't working out.
Severance pay is not required if a superintendent resigns. Whether it is precedent or policy, the practice of granting severance pay to administrators needs to be changed. It's one thing to offer a severance package to people who have spent a career at Michigan City Area Schools. But not superintendents like Harding, who was here five years.
Posted by: NDReporter Aug 31 2009, 02:41 PM
School board member Beryle Burgwald said on WEFM this morning that Harding may not be entitled to the $59,000 separation payment. Burgwald told WEFM listeners he hopes to meet Monday with board president Jim Kintzele to assess how to negate the payment. In order to be eligible for the payment the resigned superintendent must not have been re-employed for 90 days, according to Burgwald. Harding accepted his new position almost immediately, possibly before resigning in Michigan City. Stay tuned for developments. (Historically Bergwald has been the legal conscience of Michigan City.)
I've done a lot of research on this today, and what I've found out is that Mr. Burgwald may be wrong about his assertion on the re-employment issue. The only law on the books that is close to this refers to a 30-day waiting period required before re-employment to be eligible for benefits from the State Teacher's Retirement Fund, which is an entirely different entity. Burgwald said he hasn't talked to William Kaminsky, the school district's attorney, about it yet.
Now, if Burgwald wants to pursue taking away the severance bonus, there's not a basis for it "by law" as he stated, but I guess that doesn't mean he can't find another way.
School board member Beryle Burgwald said on WEFM this morning that Harding may not be entitled to the $59,000 separation payment. Burgwald told WEFM listeners he hopes to meet Monday with board president Jim Kintzele to assess how to negate the payment. In order to be eligible for the payment the resigned superintendent must not have been re-employed for 90 days, according to Burgwald. Harding accepted his new position almost immediately, possibly before resigning in Michigan City. Stay tuned for developments. (Historically Bergwald has been the legal conscience of Michigan City.)
I've done a lot of research on this today, and what I've found out is that Mr. Burgwald may be wrong about his assertion on the re-employment issue. The only law on the books that is close to this refers to a 30-day waiting period required before re-employment to be eligible for benefits from the State Teacher's Retirement Fund, which is an entirely different entity. Burgwald said he hasn't talked to William Kaminsky, the school district's attorney, about it yet.
Now, if Burgwald wants to pursue taking away the severance bonus, there's not a basis for it "by law" as he stated, but I guess that doesn't mean he can't find another way.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 31 2009, 02:41 PM
I've done a lot of research on this today, and what I've found out is that Mr. Burgwald may be wrong about his assertion on the re-employment issue. The only law on the books that is close to this refers to a 30-day waiting period required before re-employment to be eligible for benefits from the State Teacher's Retirement Fund, which is an entirely different entity. Burgwald said he hasn't talked to William Kaminsky, the school district's attorney, about it yet.
Now, if Burgwald wants to pursue taking away the severance bonus, there's not a basis for it "by law" as he stated, but I guess that doesn't mean he can't find another way.
Could this be something that was in the "retirement" agreement that was come to recently between the board and Harding? Has anyone put in a FOIA for said agreement yet?
Posted by: NDReporter Aug 31 2009, 02:43 PM
Could this be something that was in the "retirement" agreement that was come to recently between the board and Harding? Has anyone put in a FOIA for said agreement yet?
I have the copy of the amendment in front of me, and it wasn't in there. When I asked Burgwald if this provision was in the contract, he said no, it was state law. Which it isn't.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Aug 31 2009, 02:45 PM
I have the copy of the amendment in front of me, and it wasn't in there. When I asked Burgwald if this provision was in the contract, he said no, it was state law. Which it isn't.
Thanks for that info. That is interesting. I'd be curious what Beryle was referring too.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Sep 2 2009, 01:48 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=25573&TM=40347.08
MICHIGAN CITY - Former Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Michael Harding didn't actually retire and therefore doesn't deserve the $59,000 severance he received.
That's according to some School Board members who voted last week to give him the retirement package. But the check has been sent, and the district probably won't get it back.
"I think the general feeling is ... that he wasn't truthful," School Board President Jim Kintzele said. "The legal repercussions of that, I don't know."
Harding, 58, accepted a job as superintendent of East Chicago (Ind.) Public Schools two days after his retirement Aug. 25 in Michigan City.
During the weekend, School Board member Beryle Burgwald mentioned on a Saturday radio talk show a state law regarding the length of time school administrators have to be out of work before they can qualify as "retired" may void the severance package Harding received.
That law, however, which sets a 30-day period, pertains only to state retirement benefits, said Tom Davidson, general counsel for the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.
Regardless, Burgwald said, he plans to work with the school district's attorney, William Kaminski of La Porte, to see what can be done.
"Whether there's a law or not is immaterial. He didn't hold up his end of the agreement," Burgwald said of Harding.
School Board members were aware of the rumor Harding was going to take job in East Chicago before the severance package was approved, Kintzele said, but there was no evidence it was true.
"I stand by the statement I made. I took for granted that he was telling the truth," Kintzele said.
Harding told Kintzele his retirement was for family and personal reasons, he said.
Burgwald said he also heard the rumor, but didn't think its source, "Talk of the Town" on WEFM 95.9, was credible.
"Al and Dennis are like two gossipy old ladies - they don't deal in fact, they deal in rumor," Burgwald said of radio show hosts Al Austin and Dennis Metheny.
"If Al said on the air that Harding was going to East Chicago, and then it happened, then it's not rumor, is it?" Metheny said of Burgwald's comment. "I'm surprised he'd call the show and then turn around and say that, but that's free speech."
Assistant Superintendent Carla Iacona is acting superintendent until a new one is hired. The School Board likely will discuss the superintendent search at its next meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, Kintzele said.
"We'll talk about the direction we'd like to take," he said. "I don't know yet if we'll look for an interim superintendent or just go for the permanent position right away."
Posted by: Tom Burns Sep 2 2009, 04:31 PM
"That law, however, which sets a 30-day period, pertains only to state retirement benefits, said Tom Davidson, general counsel for the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents."
Standards of good journalism dictate that you seek an independent source. An attorney hired by the Association of Superintendents would
be expected to defend the actions of a superintendent. If he said otherwise, that would be news.
However I do not imply that I agree or disagree with any of the positions on this issue. Further it is interesting how the newspaper tap danced on their report.
Posted by: NDReporter Sep 2 2009, 05:35 PM
"That law, however, which sets a 30-day period, pertains only to state retirement benefits, said Tom Davidson, general counsel for the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents."
Standards of good journalism dictate that you seek an independent source. An attorney hired by the Association of Superintendents would
be expected to defend the actions of a superintendent. If he said otherwise, that would be news.
However I do not imply that I agree or disagree with any of the positions on this issue. Further it is interesting how the newspaper tap danced on their report.
I talked to three different attorneys that day, and they all said the same thing. I simply attributed it to the most knowledgeable person. The answer to the question would actually not change no matter who I talked to...you realize that, right? Because it's the Indiana Code.
Please tell me about the tap dancing. I'm all ears!
Posted by: southyards Sep 3 2009, 08:52 PM
Source: NWI.com Link: http://nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/article_5d064cf5-7c2c-5e55-81fd-60227a6ed5d7.html
Former Michigan City schools chief angers board members
District officials seeking return of severance cash
•
Posted: Thursday, September 3, 2009 12:00
MICHIGAN CITY | Some School Board members in Michigan City said East Chicago's new superintendent of schools owes them $59,000.
That was the amount of severance that Michael Harding received when he resigned as Michigan City's superintendent last week.
Harding explained he was retiring, which led to the severance payment equal to one-half of his annual salary, School Board member Beryl Burgwald said Wednesday. But, two days later, he accepted the job in East Chicago.
Burgwald and School Board President Jim Kintzele want the money back.
So far, though, the district hasn't planned any action at the advice of the school corporation attorney, who said there are no real legal options.
"There are a number of indications now that he never intended to retire," Burgwald said.
Harding could not be reached for comment. { Imagine that : - ) = my insert }
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)