Talking it out : P.G. superintendent remains in place after board meeting
Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/65200/
PRAIRIE GROVE — Pete Bennett will remain the school district’s superintendent for the time being.
The Prairie Grove Board of Education met in closed session for two hours and 45 minutes in a special meeting Wednesday. Board members didn’t give any detailed reasons for the closed session, although Shawn Shrum said afterward they discussed “ personnel. ”
After reconvening the meeting in front of the public, board President Rick Reed gave an ambiguous statement that the board had made progress in working out its problems.
“ We appreciate the community giving us some time to work on our problems, ” he said. “ We have made some headway. Give us some patience. ”
The specially called meeting came two days after 350 residents attended the regular meeting. Many of the people who attended said a change was needed because of Bennett’s alleged treatment of three employees — vocational career teacher Lanny Rice, athletic director Mike Green and central administration office employee Ann Dunham.
Immediately after Reed’s statement Wednesday, the board adjourned and most members quickly left the meeting. Bennett said he had no comment on what was discussed in the closed session.
Patrons said Bennett attended the closed session for most of the first hour. The board then met without him, then asked him to return to closed session.
A few minutes later, the board reconvened, Reed made his statement and the meeting was adjourned.
A follow-up meeting was not immediately scheduled.
The meeting Wednesday featured a smaller audience than the one meeting. About 25 people attended.
Nathan Ogden, one of the six people who addressed the board about Bennett on Monday, said he asked people not to overcrowd the meeting and to give the board a chance to work through the issues.
Bennett is finishing his first year as superintendent. He worked for the district for nine years before that — two years as assistant superintendent and seven as a principal.
Bennett lived in Alma until moving to Prairie Grove about four years ago. Most of his educational career was spent commuting from Alma to jobs in other districts.