Mark Schmitz, superintendent of Staples Motley Schools, is now also interim executive director for the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) in Staples.

On a split vote the Staples Motley School Board approved a contract with NJPA for 25 percent of Schmitz’ time from Mar. 16 through June 30, 2010.

In their next action the school board approved a 25 percent contract for Jim Hofer, retired school administrator, to become interim middle school principal. A list of tasks for Hofer included additional duties he would likely be asked to perform.

Barb Schmitt, chair of the school board, is the district’s representative on the NJPA board. She explained that Gary Nytes, NJPA executive director, had requested the right to work on a special assignment for NJPA until his retirement in June, 2011. The NJPA board granted the request.

“A local organization

needs assistance for a

short time,” Schmitz said. “It benefits our district if

the co-op is operating as smoothly as possible.”

Wayne Wolden, chair of the NJPA board, also attended the meeting to respond to questions. He

noted that, because NJPA

employs teachers, it is “imperative” they have

someone with superintendent credentials in the position.

Board member Brad Anderson questioned whether the school board could enter into the contract with NJPA. He noted that the board’s contract with Supt. Schmitz specifi cally addresses outside activities.

Clause IX of the superintendent’s

contract reads “While the Superintendent

shall devote full time and due diligence to the affairs and the activities of the School District, the Superintendent may serve as a consultant to other School Districts or educational agencies, lecture, engage in writing and speaking activities, and engage in other activities if such activities do not impede the Superintendent’s ability to perform the duties of the Superintendency. The Superintendent shall not engage in other employment, consultant service or other activity for which a salary, fee, or honorarium is paid without the prior approval of the School Board.”

Schmitz pointed out that the contract with NJPA specifically notes that “This agreement modifi es and supersedes clause IX of the superintendent’s contract between ISD 2170 and Mark Schmitz for the period of time of this contract.”

Board members Chad Longbella and Mary Freeman asked how the specific time at NJPA would be determined.

“We’ll work with the district,” Wolden replied.

Wolden continued that the board might be wondering “Why Mark Schmitz? I looked at his expertise. Schmitz has been an excellent ex officio member of the board. He understands what the co-op does for this community and nationwide. That’s why I brought up Mr. Schmitz’ name.”

“Are you in turmoil?” Brad Anderson asked Wolden.

“I wouldn’t characterize it as turmoil,” Wolden replied. “We have an excellent management team, but a point person is essential for any organization. We’re not looking at Mr. Schmitz to tear apart NJPA, just help us look for a permanent director.”

“The only way this works is to have Jim (Hofer) come back. He has experience as a middle school principal and assistant superintendent,” Schmitz said.

Schmitz then reviewed the list of tasks he had compiled that would “be assumed by Jim Hofer under the supervision of Mark Schmitz.” Those include:

o middle school principal,

o online learning,

o coordination of hiring community educaton director,

o coordination of hiring high school principal,

o development of the 2011-12 school calendar,

o development of employment classifications,

o continue and finalize building improvement projects already underway,

o review and develop policies, and

o facilitate Stanton reviews.

Brad Anderson expressed concern about the list of tasks and questioned

why the board was

considering taking their “top gun” away from them.

Freeman responded that Hofer had started the district’s online program and so would have the basis for the changes to be implemented.

“Loaning our top gun is risky but Jim offers expertise,” Freeman said. “This is also an opportunity for our top person to get to know NJPA.”

Brad Anderson responded that having conversations with NJPA people would do that as well.

Schmitt said that she supports the contract and that NJPA is an important part of the community not only for the services it provides but also for the people it employs here.

Freeman made the motion to approve the contract with NJPA and Schmitt seconded the motion.

Brad Anderson asked if Schmitt could act on the motion because she sits on the NJPA board.

Schmitt responded that she believed she could because she was the school district’s representative to the NJPA board and did not have a conflict of interest. However, she withdrew her second and the motion was then seconded by Ken Swecker.

When Schmitt called for the vote, she voted yes along with Swecker, Longbella and Freeman. Brad Anderson voted no. Board member Paul Anderson was not at the meeting. However, Schmitt then changed her vote to an abstention, which, she explained, was counted as an affirmative vote.

Swecker then made the motion to approve Hofer’s contract, which was seconded by Longbella. The motion passed with Brad Anderson as the only no vote.Wolden thanked the school board and said he would bring back to the NJPA board the concerns about Schmitz’ time.

In the contract with NJPA the salary and fringe benefits listed was for 25 percent time for the remainder of the 2009-10 fiscal year. The contracted salary is $8,106.59 and the contracted benefits are $2,410.67 for a total of $10,517.26.

Hofer was contracted as the interim middle school principal at 25 percent time. The contract specifi es 10 hours a week for 77 days of service for a total dollar amount of $6,568.38.

The nature of the special assignment being undertaken by Gary Nytes was explained by Kristi Hastings, attorney with Pemberton, Sorlie, Rufer & Kershner Law Firm of Fergus Falls.

The one thing he’s working on now, she said, is a project to be used in training and marketing materials. This will include a history of the organization and history of the programs.

The former executive director, Hastings said, will be working from his home and will report directly to the NJPA board. He will not be supervised by Schmitz.

Other assignments may be given over time.