Fulton County MRDD panel moves to hire new leader

12/7/2004

WAUSEON - The Fulton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, which put its superintendent on administrative leave Nov. 30, yesterday took a step toward hiring retired Henry County disabilities chief Gary Donaldson as interim superintendent.

Superintendent Dan Pfahl remains on the payroll. The board met behind closed doors for more than two hours yesterday with its lawyer, Paul Goldberg.

The board called Mr. Pfahl into the private meeting; he left as the board resumed its public meeting. He did not return a call from The Blade last night.

In his last job evaluation Sept. 20, the board wrote, "We do not find the superintendent's job performance to be in good standing." It lists three areas of concern: communication, honesty, and leadership effectiveness with Mr. Pfahl, who is paid $70,000 a year. The board is to meet again at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Last night, the board voted 6-0 to contract for Mr. Donaldson's services through the Ohio Association of County Boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Board member Dr. John Both was absent.

Mr. Donaldson was an interim superintendent in Fulton County in 2003.