"We're off and running and we're in good shape."
The words of newly-appointed Tidioute Community Charter School Interim Chief Educational Officer Dr. John Linden indicate that progress is being made in preparation for the upcoming school year.
The TCCS Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Linden to the interim post, as well as Tom Brown as interim vice-CEO, during its July regular meeting held Wednesday night at the TCCS library.
Board of Trustees President Al Haney indicated that appointing an interim allows the school to have someone "to act in the position until we have filled the position...(It is) done to facilitate operations of the school to continue as it has been started."
Linden thanked the board for the appointment. He explained that he was a consultant when the school was originally opened, explaining that he is "aware of what went into" the development of the school. He said that he has also served in the role of CEO at other charter schools.
In the wake of the board's decision not to review then-CEO David Craig's contract, Linden said that "I very willingly said I could be here to support the mission."
He emphasized in his remarks that the focus is on the students coming back to school. "Our program is for them," he said. "Come August, the school is fully operational and ready to go...I look forward to helping you make this a success."
Haney then asked Linden to comment on the status of the annual report that TCCS must provide to the Warren County School District by August 1.
Linden said that, other than the education provided, that "the single biggest requirement a charter school is required to do" is the annual report. He explained to the board that he has met with the school's staff and broken the report into smaller parts and has assigned portions of the report to the staff.
He noted that the document will be complete by the August 1st deadline. "We are on the move. I think we'll be fine," Linden said.
While work progresses on the annual report, finding a permanent replacement as CEO has moved forward as well.
Trustee Marjorie Manning informed the Trustees that interviews have been arranged with four candidates for Friday and potentially with a fifth candidate on Saturday morning.
"The wheels are in motion," Haney reported.
June minutes
Details have emerged about the decision not to renew Craig's contract during the June meeting of the Trustees. After a 49 minute executive session, John Weaver made a motion not to revew Craig's contract "effective immediately," according to the meeting minutes approved on Wednesday. Julie Lindemuth seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Sandy Ringel and Manning were not present at the meeting.