School Board Reaches Decision Concerning Superintendent

Monday, April 9th 2007, 9:21 pm

By: News On 6

The Catoosa School district continues to deal with the fallout from its financial problems. Last month, Catoosa superintendent Larry Cale fired 28 employees after announcing that the district was more than half a million dollars in debt. Many in Catoosa hold Cale responsible for the shortfall, and the school board determined Monday night whether he'll keep his job.

Cale was already set to resign on June 30th, but that will happen a couple of months earlier after his settlement with the school board was announced. Cale will immediately resign his duties as superintendent. He will be paid for the remaining months of his contract.

In a letter to the board on April 6, Cale said he is not solely responsible for the districtâ€™s financial woes, but many parents disagree and blame Larry Cale for the shortfall and the layoffs. Some are clamoring for legal action and would like see him held accountable for all of Catoosaâ€™s problems.

â€œI would like to see him just leave and get nothing,â€ said Catoosa parent Charnel Hallman. â€œHeâ€™s gotten plenty, and I think he obviously knew about the problems.â€

Larry Cale says heâ€™s relieved about the decision, and he is still willing to help the district out until June 30th with whatever he can do to help to make sure they end up this year back in the black.

Related stories:

3/7/2007 - Teacher Layoffs Prompt Walkout

4/5/2007 - School's Debt Could Lead To The Firing Of Superintendent

4/6/2007 - Superintendents Job May Be Next To Go At Debt Ridden School

4/8/2007 - School Superintendent Agreement Set For Vote