Reader clarifies school board comments

To The Eagle:

I read the Naselle school board article in The Eagle last week and noted my comments were not reported correctly, practically regarding Board Policy 1440-Minutes. I have talked to several people who attended the meeting, and they said they were not

able to hear everything I said. If possible, I would appreciate a correction in your next addition to reflect what I said.

Superintendent Rick Pass, without board action or approval, unilaterally stopped taping the meetings at the March 16 meeting and that is supported by my verbatim comments. During the discussion of the motion to approve the consent agenda, Dr. Pass made the comment "We do not

tape record our meetings." My comments about the audio taping were made later in the meeting during "Community Input."

Also, Dr. Pass's resignation letter is dated March 7, 2010, and on or about April 1, an announcement appeared on the school's website which stated, "The Naselle-Grays River School District Board of Directors is seeking an interim Superintendent for 2010-2011. The position will be open until April 30. The current Superintendent is Dr. Rick Pass. Interested applicants need to contact Dr. Pass."

Between the day his resignation letter was written and the announcement was posted, there were no board meetings. Also, I spoke to Gib Haataia and Michelle Condon, and neither of them new anything about the posting. I believe Rick Pass and Hollis Fletcher did this covertly and quite possibly with an agenda.

At the April 20 board meeting Dr. Pass stated that there were few applicants, and part of the reason was it was only for a 180 day contract.

Steve Gacke

Naselle