Like many citizens of Baldwin-Whitehall, I am deeply troubled by the recent appointment of Martin Schmotzer to the position of Special Assistant to the Superintendent. As a former school administrator, I understand this title to be a euphemism for, “he holds no state certification” to qualify him for any adminisrative position. If his tenure as a board member qualifies him, then every former school board member across the state can be appointed as a quasi school administrator. Simply add the descriptor “assistant” to the title of the contrived position.
The hiring process was underhanded at best. It gives every appearance of having been orchestrated behind closed doors with the end game of eventually appointing Mr. Schmotzer to a legitimate position in the future should he earn the necessary credential.
Board members hold a public trust. That trust, requires you to exercise due diligence when performing your duties as board members of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. You would be wise to consult your Human Resource mission statement which most likely required Board approval. One of the core values listed is “integrity.” The mission statement reads, in part, that HR will “recruit” “highly qualified employees.” Failure to follow normal hiring and Board procedures is tantamount to nonfeasance in my mind. You are accountable to the citizens of the school district, not Mr. Schmotzer. I look forward to you addressing this concern at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on December 4, 2013. Please allow ample time for public comment. I write with deep regret.
