The Board of Education unanimously voted early Thursday morning to place Superintendent Ms. Kathy Perini on administrative leave pending investigation of financial irregularities. The decision followed five hours of closed session and statements from more than 15 members of the public in support of Ms. Perini. The Board has named Dr. Art Cunha, the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, as the acting superintendent.
Earlier this year on March 21, the Board voted 4-1 not to renew Ms. Perini’s contract, which ends on June 30. The Board’s official statement can be read in full below. The board has since received multiple petitions for and against Ms. Perini, with some online garnering more than 1500 signatures. Hundreds of people have attended the last 3 Board meetings to express their views on the matter.
“The schools are looking better, we have pride in the schools, and I think that comes down to kathy’s leadership,” Longden teacher Ms. Mary Sneed said. “It’s not just one group supporting her, she has support from all different parts of the district, parents and teachers, classified personnel, and that speaks highly for the kind of leadership she has provided.”
While many people spoke exclusively about their support for Ms. Perini, others voiced concerns and suggestions for the board. former Board member Mr. Bob Ridley recommended establishing a Fraud, Waste, and Abuse hotline, former Board member Ms. Rachel Lasota criticized inconsistencies in the Board’s agendas, and Freshman Aidan Yoder analyzed the board’s statement. Others spoke at past board meetings with their own viewpoints, including Oak history teacher Ms. Jessica Goold.
“I wanted to help humanize the other Board members that have been belittled, attacked, and horrendously treated by our community,” Ms. Goold said. “People need to remember that these are people too.”
The Board has not released a statement about their position on the matter since March 23, but any Board member can be reached through their TCUSD email. The next scheduled Board meeting will be on May 9 at 7 p.m.in the District Office.