Board formally makes offer to superintendent candidate

Talk about it

The School Board formally extended an offer to Robert Lech to be the next man to run Jamestown Public Schools at its Monday meeting.

“The process in my opinion really worked well and I’m happy to report at this time I have had very productive talks with a strong candidate to be the next leader of the Jamestown Public School District,” said Roy Musland, Jamestown School Board president.

The board unanimously agreed to offer a one-year $130,000 contract to Lech. He currently is under contract as superintendent of the Beulah Public School District.

The contract will need to be returned to JPS signed by Lech before it becomes official. He would start on July 1, according to Sally Ost, JPS business manager.

Lech is currently under contract until July 1, 2013. Contacted by phone after Monday’s meeting Lech said he will sign the JPS contract and formally resign his position in Beulah once the contract arrives.

“We’re very pleased to be part of the Jamestown Public School District,” Lech said.

Current Superintendent Bob Toso will retire in June after serving as an administrator with the district for the past 12 years.

“Mr. Lech has been very impressed with the entire staff at all of the schools and he’s very energized and excited to come,” Musland said.

Musland also expressed confidence in Lech and the board’s decision to move forward with the hire.

“I really feel this board, this whole district is ready to get behind this guy and support him, and Rob Lech’s success will be our success,” he said.

Board member Gail Martin said all parties involved, the School Board, Jamestown Education Association and an administration representative agreed on Lech.

“This board and the JEA member and the administrator that was a part of this, it was a unanimous decision and I think that was extremely exciting for all of us to have him be our No. 1 choice,” Martin said.

Later in the meeting the board unanimously approved up to $10,000 in moving expenses for Lech, provided he receives and presents two or three bids on the moving cost. Included in the $10,000 is also mileage for two trips to Jamestown and up to two nights at a hotel, while he searches for a home.

Martin said it could be a challenge for Lech to find a home in Jamestown.

“The housing market is extremely tight here and they may have a real problem having a place to live,” she said.

In other news:

* The board heard from School Resource Officer Nick Hardy, who reported 18 incidents from Aug. 26, 2012, to Feb. 1, 2013, across the district.

“Four years ago we had 136 incidents and right now we are at 18,” Hardy said. “It’s pretty amazing what four years does for incidents like that.”

* The board also unanimously approved a new calendar for 2013-2014. The calendar will have school starting on Aug. 22, 2013, and dismissing on May 26, 2014.

* The board also unanimously agreed to advertise for a part-time webmaster position paying $10,000 annually.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, education