When Dr. Yvonne Stokes was hired as Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Superintendent in April of 2021, the school district made history by hiring its first African-American superintendent. On September 13, 2023, the school board made history again, this time by accepting the resignation and separation agreement of Dr. Yvonne Stokes, the district’s first African-American superintendent.
The board, and attorney Chris Greisl, portrayed the separation as a mutual agreement. Public speakers at the meeting described the situation as forced resignation.
Dr. Stokes will receive her full pay for the remainder of her contract, which runs through the end of June, 2024. She will also be compensated for unused leave time, will have an annuity contribution as in her contract and will receive health insurance coverage for the remainder of her contract unless eligible to participate in a health care plan before that date. Attorney Greisl said he and an attorney representing Dr. Stokes began talks on the separation agreement two weeks ago.
The board posted a notice Monday morning of a meeting to be held September 13 at 7:00am with no details on agenda items. The agenda details were not revealed until just after 5:00PM September 12.
Interim Superintendent Matt Kegley will receive a stipend while serving in that capacity. He told LarryInFishers he is open to being considered for the permanent Superintendent position, but the board has not indicated how it will move forward in selecting Dr. Stokes’ permanent replacement.
Board President Lang, in meeting with reporters following the board session , strongly denied race had anything to do with Dr. Stokes resignation and separation agreement. Members of the public speaking to the media following the meeting had a very different view, asserting that race was involved in this decision.
In her opening statement Lang said “change is never easy,” and says she and the board will move forward to “strengthen and unite Hamilton Southeastern.”
Hamilton Southeastern Education Association President Abby Taylor expressed her concern about how the decision was handled, particularly the 7am start time not allowing teachers to be present for a decision impacting their work life. She also criticized the board for creating rumors and speculation that creates distrust of the board and is not helping when a “desperately needed” referendum is on the November ballot. Teachers, Taylor said, are looking for stability, yet their voices continue to be suppressed.
The motion to accept Dr. Stokes’ resignation and separation agreement was passed unanimously, with Sarah Donsbach and Sarah Parks-Reese saying they voted yes only out of respect for Dr. Stokes.
There is much more to report on this story and I will be writing more as time goes on.
