A proposed school board policy on personnel was sent back to the Policy Committee for further work when suggestions were made to change some of the language.

The Hamilton Southeastern School Board had before it Wednesday night a revision of the hiring authority policy, codifying how the district handles hiring decisions, particularly in the summer months when a large part of teacher hiring happens.

The proposed language states, “The Board of Trustees of the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation Hamilton County, Indiana (the Board), being the governing body of the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation, Hamilton County, Indiana (the “School Corporation,” has the sole authority to employ all personnel based on the recommendation of the Superintendent.  Stakeholder involvement in the hiring process will be a priority in the selection of building principals and assistant superintendents, depending on the level of need and/or urgency.”

Board member Suzanne Thomas suggested adding stakeholder involvement in any position at the request of the board of trustees, not just principals and assistant superintendents.  She later clarified she had administrative openings in mind.

Superintendent Yvonne Stokes pressed Thomas on when a stakeholder would be added an who that stakeholder might be.  Thomas responded she envisions this as a liaison.

Other board members indicated there was confusion on what was being suggested in the hiring process, so the board decided to take the language suggestions back to the Policy Committee.  The next meeting of the Policy Committee is scheduled for June 7.  The next regular school board meeting is June 14.