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Wood BOE votes against Flint’s contract renewal

Superintendent John Flint protests the Wood County Board of Education’s decision to not allow public comment prior to taking a vote on his contract Tuesday. The board unanimously approved a motion to deny Flint a contract renewal. Flint’s contract ends June 30. (Photo by Michael Erb)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Board of Education unanimously voted against the renewal of Superintendent John Flint’s contract.

The vote followed a brief executive session Tuesday evening. Board member Ron Tice made the motion against renewal of the superintendent’s contract, with the board unanimously approving the motion.

Flint’s contract expires June 30.

Board President Lawrence Hasbargen denied requests to hold the vote after public comment. An addendum to Tuesday’s agenda which added a public comment period came less than four hours before the start of the meeting.

The board office was filled with people, some holding signs reading “We Support Flint.”

Superintendent John Flint protests the Wood County Board of Education’s decision to not allow public comment prior to taking a vote on his contract Tuesday. The board unanimously approved a motion to deny Flint a contract renewal. Flint’s contract ends June 30. (Photo by Michael Erb)

Following the vote, several people spoke on Flint’s behalf.

Tim Yeater, who was a member of the Wood County Board of Education when Flint was hired, criticized current board members for their decision.

“You’re passing judgment on things you have no clue about,” he said. Yeater thanked Flint for his service and shook his hand before taking his seat.

Fairplains Elementary School Principal Liz Conrad held back tears while talking about Flint.

“I find him to be a very positive and encouraging superintendent,” she said. “I’m disappointed (the school board) did not at least listen to what we had to say before you did that.”

Superintendent John Flint protests the Wood County Board of Education’s decision to not allow public comment prior to taking a vote on his contract Tuesday. The board unanimously approved a motion to deny Flint a contract renewal. Flint’s contract ends June 30. (Photo by Michael Erb)

Bus driver Pam Reynolds expressed anger.

“I’m really disappointed in you all,” she said.

In recent months, Flint has openly clashed with and been critical of board members. Reynolds brushed off any perceived issues with Flint.

“Has he made mistakes? Absolutely,” she said, but added “everyone in this room has made mistakes” and said Flint’s main error was in not filtering himself in recent comments.

Several supporters were allowed to talk at the end of the meeting, but all complained the vote already had been taken.

Flint argued the board was out of order in not allowing public comment prior to the vote.

“Anybody knows, if you look at the sequence of our agenda, it is always public comment before an action item. So what you heard is not right,” he said. “You just witnessed something that is wrong. You know it and they know it.”

Hasbargen said the order of the agenda was determined by Flint and Human Resources Director Sean Francisco, who also acts as legal counsel for the school system.

After the meeting, Hasbargen praised Flint but said the decision was needed.

“John has done a lot of good things, (but) we’ve got another direction or two we need to go,” Hasbargen said. “I think overall it was the best decision for Wood County Schools.”

Flint walked out of the meeting while a member of the public spoke to board members about what qualities should be sought in a new superintendent. Flint could not be reached after the meeting for additional comment.

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