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What is the status of the new superintendent in watauga county? I heard he's upsetting and insulting some of the Boone residents. I also heard the board of education has met in closed session to discuss it.
There were two incidents that have caused some in Boone to be concerned about Superintendent Kafitz's behavior.
The first was an incident on election day. Jane Hodges, who is a well-respected member of the board of elections, informed the principal of Green Valley Elementary School that children who were in the school's gym, which was a polling place, had to leave. Kafitz called Hodges and was reportedly "very rude" to her. The second happened at Mellow Mushroom, where Kafitz apparently created a scene over not getting a large enough discount from a card he had.
The board has met in several closed sessions recently, reportedly the school system's lawyer was at a few of them. However, board members are tight-lipped about the subject of the meetings. Board member Barbara Kinsey was censured by other board members when she started gathering teacher's opinions about Kafitz. No action has been taken as of yet.
Thanks for the summary DSS94. Is the Board attorney still C. Campbell from Asheville?
If Kafitz' contract is similar to other Superintendents in NC then he probably has over 3 years left. That might make the board think long and hard about any kind of a premature separation.
It is rumored that his wife and children have not accompanied him to Boone. Wonder if that is a signal of any sort, or if it is even true?
There were two incidents that have caused some in Boone to be concerned about Superintendent Kafitz's behavior.
The first was an incident on election day. Jane Hodges, who is a well-respected member of the board of elections, informed the principal of Green Valley Elementary School that children who were in the school's gym, which was a polling place, had to leave. Kafitz called Hodges and was reportedly "very rude" to her. The second happened at Mellow Mushroom, where Kafitz apparently created a scene over not getting a large enough discount from a card he had.
Sorry for being picky, but Jane Hodges is the long-time Director (chief paid staff person) of the Watauga Board of Elections, not a member of the board. She is, as noted by DSS94, highly respected in the community at large. She wrote a letter detailing the interaction between herself and Kafitz. The letter was published. If Jane is to believed, and I do believe she has far more credibility than does Kafitz, Kafitz was incredibly rude, imperious, and unprofessional in his communication with Ms. Hodges. I knew Jane personally when I worked in Boone in the late 80's and '90's; she is not the type of person to fly off the handle or make wild accusations. She is level headed and a consummate professional. Here is the article published Jan 28 in the Watauga Democrat: Superintendent Complaints Mount
Sorry for being picky, but Jane Hodges is the long-time Director (chief paid staff person) of the Watauga Board of Elections, not a member of the board. She is, as noted by DSS94, highly respected in the community at large. She wrote a letter detailing the interaction between herself and Kafitz. The letter was published. If Jane is to believed, and I do believe she has far more credibility than does Kafitz, Kafitz was incredibly rude, imperious, and unprofessional in his communication with Ms. Hodges. I knew Jane personally when I worked in Boone in the late 80's and '90's; she is not the type of person to fly off the handle or make wild accusations. She is level headed and a consummate professional. Here is the article published Jan 28 in the Watauga Democrat: Superintendent Complaints Mount
Thanks for the links and the attorney info. roadpony.
So Chris Campbell is representing the school system and Paul Miller is representing the Board. I would guess that Miller does double duty on most occasions but that if things get really sticky Campbell is called in to make sure no conflicting interests are in play.
Interesting that they have meet several times and no decision has been announced. It would seem to be in the system's best interests to put this behind them with some sort of announcement.
They're buying out his contract. They want him gone that badly. His last day of employment is May 31st, but he agreed to help with the transition by being "on vacation" in May.
I would now be interested in the details of the agreement. Wonder if he can work again within the settlement period and still retain the money. Many settlements of this nature only make the settlement "whole". That is if he finds another job, the difference between the salaries is the only figure that will be paid.
Here's the answer to one of your earlier questions:
"The school system also offered a school psychologist position to Kafitz's wife, Amy Kafitz. Ashcraft said that Amy Kafitz had not worked in the position and still resides in Union County with her two daughters."
Back when the conflicts were first being reported I was floored to read that he had the poor judgment to have his wife be offered a job with the school system.... and that the school board would have allowed it.
Back when the conflicts were first being reported I was floored to read that he had the poor judgment to have his wife be offered a job with the school system.... and that the school board would have allowed it.
The spouse-hiring system seems to suit ASU well enough.
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Wonder if he can work again within the settlement period and still retain the money. Many settlements of this nature only make the settlement "whole". That is if he finds another job, the difference between the salaries is the only figure that will be paid.
Will he be able to work in a school administration position anyway? No one in the Watauga School System is going to rush to give him a good recommendation.
The spouse-hiring system seems to suit ASU well enough.
Does the chancellor's wife work at ASU? What about any deans' wives?
Whether it's legal or not, it's still not good policy at that level, whether a public school system or university.
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