Perrysburg rejects outside help in superintendent search

4/24/2001

The Perrysburg board of education last night voted against hiring the Ohio School Boards Association to help search for a superintendent.

The board voted 3-2 against contracting with the OSBA to assist in a search that may not be needed because some board members want to keep Dr. Sharon Zimmers in the job.

Dr. Zimmers retired March 31. However, the board rehired her the next day, giving her a contract that runs through Sept. 30. Dr. Zimmers, who has 34 years of service, will receive a pension and continue collecting her $101,820 annual salary.

Board members John Kevern, Walt Edinger, and Susan Williams voted against hiring the OSBA, a nonprofit corporation that provides advertising in professional journals, applicant screening, credential checks, and assistance with interviewing candidates.

Mr. Kevern and Ms. Williams said they oppose the search. Mr. Kevern and board member Gary Hutchison are on the search committee for a superintendent. The committee, which was recently pared from three board members to two, has not yet met.

Mrs. Williams said Dr. Zimmers has offered to work on a year-to-year contract.

She said not using the OSBA will save the district $8,000 to $10,000. Dr. Zimmers “has done an excellent job,” she said.

Dr. Edinger said a projected $2 million deficit in 2003 and the board's decision last month to delay putting an income tax increase on the ballot could be challenging for a new superintendent. “I don't think it is the best time to initiate a search. I also would like to continue with the success we've had under Dr. Zimmers,” he said.