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.