Our opinion: Nada?

The Times-Reporter

We have one word for the drama surrounding the suspension of and subsequent resignation by Indian Valley Superintendent Randy Cadle.

Bizarre.

Here’s the scenario: The Board of Education abruptly suspends Cadle April 16 by a unanimous vote. At the time, the board said it was reviewing the contracted status of the superintendent in view of “a number of concerns.” Little else is said. Then, on Monday night, it accepts his resignation, effective July 31, and he will receive his full salary and benefits through that date. The board also will write a letter of recommendation that Cadle could conceivably present at his next job interview in a district that presumably won’t be in The Times-Reporter’s circulation area.

When asked for an explanation Monday, board President Francis Picchetti, said the board – on the advice of legal counsel – would make no official comment.

“None, nada, zilch, zero,” he said.

In other words, parents, staff and taxpayers don’t need to know.

We have a couple of problems with all this. First, and most importantly, is that we believe the public has a right to know about such matters especially because children were under his care and staff were under his supervision.

Were they wronged?

Secondly, despite the board’s letter of recommendation, Cadle did something to warrant a unanimous suspension back in April.

But what was it?

Speculation is running rampant as is evident in this e-mail to The Times-Reporter on Tuesday:

“If this misconduct involves a criminal offense (theft, assault, sexual misconduct, misuse of government property, etc.) it needs to be turned over to the Tuscarawas County prosecutor for review.

“I would hate for the IV school board to write Mr. Cadle a glowing letter of recommendation to have some school district elsewhere in Ohio hire him. Any future employers of Mr. Cadle have a right to know about this situation, whatever it may be.

“Who knows? Maybe the guy didn’t do anything at all and we need to uncover some sort of agenda that the board has against Mr. Cadle. I can’t imagine that is the case, but we need to find out.”

Perhaps the next step is for voters to clean house. It’s apparent that something’s rotten in Indian Valley.

Indian Valley accepts Cadle’s resignation

By Nancy Schaar

The Times-Reporter

GNADENHUTTEN, OH —

The resignation of Randy Cadle as superintendent of Indian Valley Local Schools was accepted unanimously Monday night by the Board of Education.

Cadle, who has held the administrative post since May 1999, was suspended April 16 from his duties, also by unanimous vote. At that time members stated the board was reviewing the contracted status of the superintendent in view of “a number of concerns.”

Monday night, the board met in executive session at the beginning of its regular meeting at Gnadenhutten. They reconvened the meeting long enough to accept Cadle’s resignation and then continued with regular board business.

Cadle’s resignation is effective July 31, and he will receive his full salary and benefits through that date. Cadle will also be paid for 15 days of unused vacation time. In addition, he will receive a $3,000 longevity payment that he has earned according to the resignation.

The resignation also calls for a letter of recommendation to be signed by board members. The recommendation is to state in part the Board of Education “would like to acknowledge your many years of service to Indian Valley Schools. You have improved the Indian Valley Education programs, and our buildings and facilities.”

When Francis Picchetti, board president, was asked for any specific reason for the resignation, he replied that upon advice of legal counsel, no comment would be made.

“None, nada, zilch, zero,” said Picchetti. “The process begins tomorrow for the search for a new superintendent.”

Kevin Spears, although absent Monday night due to a meeting conflict, will continue as interim superintendent during the process, according to Picchetti. He is superintendent of the Tuscarawas-Carroll-Harrison Educational Service Center at New Philadelphia.

The board met in executive session once more before the meeting was over to discuss personnel, but no action was taken at its conclusion.

Cadle was rehired in June 2007 after he retired, and at that time his salary was set at $86,795 per year, plus his pension from the State Teachers Retirement System. He previously was paid $90,266.

In December 2006, district teachers gave him a no-confidence vote after a personal e-mail by Cadle was forwarded to teachers by a third party. In April 2008 a teacher resigned in connection with that incident.

Cadle, a graduate of Conotton Valley High, had served as principal at Indian Valley High for three years prior to his appointment as superintendent and previously taught at Buckeye Career Center and Garaway schools. He is a graduate of Alderson Broaddus College and the University of Dayton.