School board finalizes the end of Rose Search's employment

ROYAL CITY - The end of Rose Search's employment, which was thought to be settled earlier this year, was finalized by the Royal School Board at its regular meeting of June 22.

Apparently there was a discrepancy in the way the matter was handled. Board member Mike Noftle brought it to the attention of the board on June 22 and asked Board President Bob Murphy to allow the issue onto the agenda as new business.

Search was surprised by the added agenda item. She hadn't heard there was any issue beforehand.

Near the end of the meeting, Noftle clarified the discrepancy. He noted that, according to Search's contract, the Board was supposed to review her contract and inform her by Feb. 1 of each year whether her contract would be extended or be allowed to expire.

Noftle added that Feb. 1 had come and gone and that the Board needed to review the superintendent's contract.

Noftle then made a motion to allow the superintendent's contract to expire in July of 2016. Board Director Warren Small seconded the motion, and the board passed the motion unanimously.

Search made no comment at the June 22 meeting. She said she was surprised by the move and that there was little time to gather her thoughts. But at the June 29 Board work session, she pledged to give the District her best work in this final year of her employment.

"As always, I will continue to work tirelessly to promote student achievement, District and community collaboration, and providing professional development for teachers," she said.

"It has been an honor to serve Royal School District," she added. "I continue to have an open door policy and look forward to working with you throughout the 2015-2016 school year. Students/children will always come first."