One of three finalists for Oak Ridge Schools superintendent is in town today, and the Board of Education is scheduled to vote on whether to offer him a contract during a special meeting tonight.
The school board could offer a contract to Bruce Borchers, superintendent of the Rockwood School District in Eureka, Mo., Oak Ridge Board of Education Chair Keys Fillauer said Monday.
But board members haven’t ruled out the other two finalists: Dale Lynch, superintendent of the Hamblen County Schools in Morristown; and Keith Rowland, superintendent of Shenandoah County Public Schools in Woodstock, Va.
The board interviewed three finalists last week.
If the board agrees to offer Borchers a contract tonight, the next step would be to negotiate a contract. The negotiations could include Borchers, Fillauer, and school system staff members, including from human resources.
Borchers is at a meet-and-greet in Oak Ridge Civic Center Social Room through 12:30 p.m. It is open to the public.
Tonight’s special meeting starts at 8:15 p.m. at Riverside Grille on Melton Lake Drive.
Sam Hopwood says
Oh my, this is not a good idea. After a few glasses of vino Borchers will talk them into giving him a $200K salary. Why at the Riverside? Is this open to the public? OR is about to be taken to the cleaners!!
Angi Agle says
I don’t think so, but $200k would still be a pay cut for him. Yes, it’s a public meeting — feel free to join us.
John Huotari says
Sam, meetings where two or more members of a public body meet to deliberate are generally public meetings.
Sam Hopwood says
Thanks John, I realize that but little, if any, public notice of location was made available as far as I am aware.
Side bar to Angie… Why would someone making $234K take such a huge cut in salary just to come to our little village? This raises all kinds of red flags. You are aware of the heat he is currently taking at his present location, are you not? This hire is not a good idea…… Just my view. Enjoy the vino.
Angi Agle says
We had the advantage of a thorough background check (much more than just Google), so I’m satisfied that Rockwood’s problems are their own. Some of the problems he encountered there will make him a better superintendent here. And the iced tea was delightful, thank you.
Sam Hopwood says
Not surprised at the hire, but I am surprised that the board did not make a visit to his area to talk to people, as has happened in the past. Any idea why not? And he will be able to hire several top administrators here also as he did in his former location. Let’s see, those hires were in the six figure range, were they not? Heck, maybe he will bring them with him. Glad you enjoyed the iced tea. It’s not chocolate beer but in a pinch……..
And I still think you write very well……
Trina Baughn says
Though great for events and good food, that is a peculiar choice of venue for conducting official business. John – just curious, but when did you receive notice of tonight’s meeting?
John Huotari says
Trina, I apologize, but I have already deleted the e-mail that included that meeting notice. I think I might have received it Thursday or Friday.
Denny Phillips says
Cha-Ching!
Mike Mahathy says
If we are to have great schools we must have great leadership! Mr. Borchers has children still in school; that enhances his desirablility to me! We get what we pay for; let’s get great leadership.
Denny Phillips says
Agreed. I favor paying a school superintendent $10 million a year. That way we have the VERY best.
Mike Mahathy says
Some few will never be happy regardless what the school system does.
Sam Hopwood says
It depends Mike. A whole lot of people are unhappy with the school system’s purloining of the high school mortgage payment including ALL seven City Council members….. But that is another topic. Good to hear from you. How are things going at the outpost??
Mike Mahathy says
Fine KR. Thanks for asking.
Aaron Wells says
Just found out about the meeting as well. I wish the School Board would have given our community a little more notice about this critical decision. I am also curious as to why our officials would host an official meeting at this venue when a possible vote will be taking place on a decision that hasn’t been made yet.
It seems that it would be more appropriate to host a welcome reception there.
Mike Mahathy says
The special meeting was tentatively announced Wednesday, 3/27. I read about it in the KNS. I am not sure about the official announcement.
I meet Mr. Borchers today. I hope the school board has by now made him an offer.
Melanie Fillauer says
I never cease to be amazed at how a very few of you always spend your life with your glass half full!! The interviews for the 3 candidates happened last Tues. and this release came as soon as they could line up Dr. Borchers and his family for the return visit. Today is a beautiful day lets all go out and do something positive for Oak Ridge!!
Sam Hopwood says
I can’t speak for others Melanie, but my cup runneth over. I have been blessed far more than I deserve, for sure. Having said that, I will speak out when I see something that does not look right or I disagree with, knowing full well that the school board and school lobby do not like for anyone to voice disagreement with them. It’s my school system too.