(Posted Feb. 22, 2018)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Madison-Plains Local Schools Superintendent Tim Dettwiller has submitted his resignation which, if approved by the board next month, would take effect July 5.
Dettwiller submitted his letter of resignation to Mark Mason, school board president, who said the board would act on it at their March 20 meeting.
Dettwiller, who has been with the district for seven years and served as superintendent since August 2014, has come under criticism of late regarding the district’s finances and the timing of notification to parents of allegations that a substitute teacher and assistant basketball coach inappropriately touched a student.
In his letter of resignation, Dettwiller said he chose what was best for his family. He and wife, Robin, have been married for 30 years. They have four children and four grandchildren.
During the school board’s Feb. 20 meeting, Dettwiller addressed the district’s parents and voters.
“Parents, you need to get involved while things are happening,” he said. “This levy needs to be passed, because if not, the district won’t look the same.”
Voters turned down the district’s request for new money in an operating levy on last year’s August special election ballot. They approved a permanent improvements levy in November. A request for an income tax for operating expenses will be on the May ballot. If passed, the levy would generate $2 million a year, but collections wouldn’t start until 2019.
The district has funds to keep it operating through 2018, but would go into the red at the start of 2019. By state law, a school district cannot begin its academic year in the red.
“Those who have called for my resignation need to get out and work on the levy,” Dettwiller said. “I’m going to work my butt off to get this levy passed.”
Following Dettwiller’s statement, applause broke out among the standing room only crowd of students, parents and staff members.
Dettwiller holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wilmington College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Ashland University. He was a deputy auditor in the office of Auditor of State of Ohio for 13 years, then treasurer and chief financial officer at Springboro City Schools for 10 years. He was treasurer at Madison-Plains for four years before taking over as superintendent.
“It has been a pleasure to work with you,” Madison-Plains Treasurer Todd Mustain said to Dettwiller.
Mason added, “We appreciate all your hard work.”
Dettwiller chose a year ago to go on the retire/rehire program and is completing his first year in that status.
His was not the only resignation letter submitted. Joe Penney, director of operations, is leaving the district. The board will act on his resignation at their March 20 meeting. Penney has accepted a job as business manager for Fairfield City Schools in southwest Ohio beginning May 1. His last day with Madison-Plains will be April 30.
“It is a great opportunity,” Penney said after the meeting. “I felt it was time to explore some options. Fairfield cares strongly about its students. I’m leaving a district that cares for its students and going to one that also cares for its students. That’s my passion.”
