Gilbert Unified School District will begin looking for a new superintendent now that the governing board has accepted Dave Allison’s letter of retirement.
Allison, who was named superintendent in 2008, sent the district governing board a letter Wednesday informing members of his intent to retire on June 30, the last day of his current contract.
The board voted 5-0 Thursday to accept his notice. Board president Staci Burk said in the next month or so the board will start outlining the qualifications it will look for in a new leader.
“I think the hope would be to have someone by July 1, but if not, we would get an interim,” she told the Tribune.
Allison, 65, read from his letter Thursday: “It is with mixed feelings that I inform you I will retire from Gilbert Public Schools June 30.”
His letter noted that he’d planned to retire two years ago, after his first contract, but the board persuaded him to stay on for another two years.
After Allison read the letter Thursday, board members expressed their appreciation for his work in the district the last 20 years.
“I’ve seen your leadership and strong passion for education,” board member Lily Tram said. “I along, with all your GPS family, am truly going to miss you. Thank you for all you’ve done for our students and your community.”
“You’ve left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of many employees, staff, students, teachers and community members and I know that you have many great plans ahead,” Burk said. “I just want to thank you for all you’ve done for the district, all the many great changes you’ve implemented and the positive lasting impression you’ve left on this district.”
About 30 people were in the audience Thursday. They gave Allison two standing ovations.
There was no public comment during the meeting.
Burk said she asked about allowing public comments at Thursday’s meeting, but the board and district attorney, Susan Segal, recommended against it. Segal told the Tribune that special board meetings follow the precedent previously set by the board not to hold a public comment session.
Allison also sent a memo to staff members Thursday morning announcing his plans to retire.
The district governing board had until Jan. 31 to take any action on offering Allison another contract, based on board policy. The board held a closed-door meeting Jan. 29 to discuss Allison’s contract. A public meeting followed in which the board voted to table any decision on his contract until Thursday night.
In Allison’s memo to staff, he wrote: “Although it is relatively early in the school year for a retirement announcement, board policy mandated that the board had to decide on my contract by January 31. Because of this, I decided to make the announcement at this time. It also allows the board a significant amount of time to hire a new superintendent.”
After Thursday’s meeting, Allison was asked what advice he has for the district’s next leader.
“To work hard for the best school district in Arizona and to maintain that,” he said.
Board member Jill Humpherys said it will be sad to see Allison leave.
“He leaves big shoes to be filled. It will be difficult to find someone of his caliber,” she said.
Prior to serving as the district’s superintendent, Allison was Gilbert’s associate superintendent of administrative services. He served in many district leadership positions during his 20 years. During the last search for a Gilbert superintendent, the four finalists were all internal candidates.
His current salary is $155,000. A portion of his benefits and salary — 20 percent — is subject to performance pay requirements the state created in the last few years. The next superintendent will also be subject to pay-for-performance requirements.
Gilbert Unified School District will begin looking for a new superintendent now that the governing board has accepted Dave Allison’s letter of retirement.
Allison, who was named superintendent in 2008, sent the district governing board a letter Wednesday informing members of his intent to retire on June 30, the last day of his current contract.
The board voted 5-0 Thursday to accept his notice. Board president Staci Burk said in the next month or so the board will start outlining the qualifications it will look for in a new leader.
“I think the hope would be to have someone by July 1, but if not, we would get an interim,” she told the Tribune.
Allison, 65, read from his letter Thursday: “It is with mixed feelings that I inform you I will retire from Gilbert Public Schools June 30.”
His letter noted that he’d planned to retire two years ago, after his first contract, but the board persuaded
Contact writer: (480) 898-6549 or mreese@evtrib.com
Leon Ceniceros posted at 10:18 am on Fri, Feb 1, 2013.
Mike McClellan....here is your chance. Throw your hat in the ring. You have the support of the Arizona Teacher's Union members. Flex those Liberal muscles. Tell the Board that you will be asking for a zillion dollar bond issue and a zillion dollar Gilbert School Budget over-ride. Tell the Board that all Gilbert teachers should teach their students = bilingually. That English Proficiency should not be a graduation requirement and all the other "California-type" Liberal rules.
VofReason posted at 12:43 pm on Fri, Feb 1, 2013.
Wonder what this gentleman's salary was in his last year and what that will translate into for the next 15-20 years of retirement. He hasn't spent a day in the classroom in years. Now let's talk about why we cannot pay teachers an adequate salary and cannot buy school supplies.
LiveInGilbert posted at 1:48 pm on Fri, Feb 1, 2013.
His salary was the lowest of any superintendant for a comparable size school district in the state. You're right - he hasn't spent a day in the classrooom in years teaching as that's not what you pay the superintendant to do; the CEO of Apple isn't in the factory putting together computers is he? You pay them to plan, lead, direct the organization ...but Dr Allison did spend many hours out at district schools with staff and in classrooms - just ask those teaching at the schools. He wasn't perfect - but he was a bargain price and was committed to the education of Gilbert's children and led the district to be an "A" district that is well above the average at both a local, state and national level. Now let's say how much the Board has to pay for a search and what salary requirements are for a minimally qualified (not the best - for sure they won't look for or pay for that) new superintendant. The District can't pay salaries, buy supplies, do capital equipment purchases, etc because there have been 7 years of declining budgets leading AZ schools to # 1 in the nation - for least funding per student - the facts are public record. And through independent 3d party required audits the GPS was one of the highest rated districts for money spent in the classroom.
Education of our children is the future of Gilbert and our country - either invest in it or live with the consequences.
Mike McClellan posted at 6:43 pm on Fri, Feb 1, 2013.
VofReason, FYI . . .
The state legislature forbids that kind of mingling of funds, except for charter schools.
But here's what they have done in the last four years: They've allowed districts to take the paltry money the state provides for supplies to augment the cuts in funding for teachers' salaries.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul.
pd posted at 4:28 pm on Sat, Feb 2, 2013.
Let's see . . . we have elected a person who has sued the district unreasonably because she didn't get what she demanded for her special needs student, people that don't even send their kids to the public schools who in tern want to run the public schools, people who find 24 million dollars being held to pay pending district obligations and then foolishly call it "extra fat" that needs to be cut, people who crow about the immense amount of money wasted on admin who can't make two siimple clicks on a computer and see that total admin expenditures for GPS is less than 8% (state auditor's report) . . . Dave Allison should be sprinting to the parking lot. I shudder to imagine what kind of superintendent this anti-public-school cadre will find to "save" GPS.
LiveInGilbert posted at 7:31 pm on Sat, Feb 2, 2013.
Amen pd - you hit the nail right on the head...
Mike McClellan posted at 11:30 am on Sun, Feb 3, 2013.
Wait until the new board starts fiddling with the curriculum.
GilbertMom01 posted at 11:19 pm on Sun, Feb 3, 2013.
pd - Just wondering who you are referring to when you make your accusations. If you are going to publicly make accusations, you owe it to the person you are accusing to publicly name them. Your comments have absolutely no credibility and are filled with rumors and innuendo. You could at least prove your credibility here by proving the existence of the lawsuit you claim was filed by a sitting member of the governing board. I would guess that would be difficult, however, because NO SUCH LAWSUIT EXISTS. It is also unconscionable that you would criticize a parent for advocating for their child, whether that child is special needs or not or whether that person sat on a governing board or not. Regarding the current governing board, Staci Burk has children enrolled in GPS. Julie Smith's children attend GCA, a Gilbert Public School. Jill Humphries has children who currently attend Gilbert High School. Daryl Colvin has 5 children that attended schools within GPS and one who even student taught within the district. Lily Tram also has children who attend GPS. Having children who currently attend schools within the district is not a requirement for a governing board member -just ask EJ Anderson. Classifying the current board as an "anti-public school cadre" is ludicrous. Like it or not, the voters spoke loud and clear in this past election. Enough logical, fair-minded, and intelligent people looked at the state of our school district and what they wanted for its future and made their choice. One of those elected was seated in October 2012. The other two were seated a mere 5 weeks ago. Instead of lambasting them, labeling them and libeling them you should give them a chance to show what they are about, get your facts straight and get involved. If you aren't willing to do that then you should just GO AWAY because people like you cause far more harm to our school district than any one of those school board members you are referring to in your comments.
godhelpgilbert posted at 10:10 am on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
I think the board has already started showing who they are and what they're about.........one member posts their answers to parents on facebook with the parents name included (wondering if they had permission to do this), allowing the general public to give that person kudos for their answer. Another cornered a parent after a meeting to let them know they didn't have the right to speak their concern about an action taken by a board member (looks like intimidation tactics are going to be used now if you speak out), and the person cornered was then "lambasted and libeled" on facebook as filing a police report against said member for assault and kidnapping (of course a false charge, but lets put that as another intimidation factor shall we?), so just by hearing of these two incidents, I dare say giving them the chance to show any more of what they are about is going to be disheartening to say the least.
LiveInGilbert posted at 10:52 am on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
Amen godhelpgilbert - the initial actionsto anyone who has been paying attention have been very concerning!
GilbertMom01 posted at 12:07 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
godhelpgilbert: Here we go again -more of the same drivel from you as we have gotten from "pd" and "LiveInGilbert". Stop with the "one member" talk and have the decency to name the people you are accusing. What are so afraid of? That the rumors and innuendo you are passing off here will be proven to be untrue? You would then have a very big problem on your hands, wouldn't you? As for "one member" posting answers to parent questions on facebook, most correspondence sent to a Board Member through official district channels is considered public information. There are a few exceptions and these are very limited. When emailing a board member, one should not have an expectation of privacy, as ANYONE can go down to the district office and file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and view those emails and distribute the contents to whoever they see fit. Regarding assault, kidnapping and police charges these all seem like very serious matters to me. Again, if they are true at least name the person you are talking about so that the record can be put straight once and for all. Again, makes me wonder what are you so afraid of?
LiveInGilbert posted at 12:07 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
Yes GilbertMom - a limited number of the Gilbert voters did speak out in the last election - not sure we can characterize all as logical, fair-minded and intelligent but I am sure there are some that are - others that clearly are not logical nor fair-minded based on the comments they make and the actions they take. Facts don't seem to matter to many involved - they can be easily twisted, discarded if they don't agree with what is being proposed or supported and downright made up if it suits the purpose. So far it looks like inclusion and getting involved is only encouraged if you agree with the majority - and unfortunately many of us don't but in an attempt to voice any opposing viewpoints are met with tactics that certainly won't encourage many to stand up and speak their mind. Many people likely will just choose to GO AWAY - that includes families, businesses, taxpayers - those things that make the community thrive and grow.
LiveInGilbert posted at 12:46 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
And GilbertMom - there is a difference between individual citizens going through the correct and legal process to file an FOIA request and an elected official publicly posting letters and replies in a public forum. Yes - that information could be requested and be released, but there is a legal process to do so which by law is required to be followed. That process does not involved elected officials posting documents that are considered public information via FOIA just because it could be done - it requires the process be followed.
godhelpgilbert posted at 1:01 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
I agree with liveingilbert, "Facts don't seem to matter to many involved - they can be easily twisted, discarded if they don't agree with what is being proposed or supported and downright made up if it suits the purpose. " It wouldn't matter if names were posted here. The individual who posted about the police report concerning Julie knows who they are as does Julie, who also is aware that the person she cornered is deeply disappointed in her as a board member. I agree that the false police report claim is truly a serious one, but with as many people (including Julie's husband) that have viewed it and NOBODY (including her husband) disputing it, what does that tell you? That any "Drivel" posted on FB is accepted, no matter who it damages.
Not afraid of anything gilbertmom, just tired of watching people who do stand up to fringe members and board members get villified for not lock-stepping with the rest.
LiveInGilbert posted at 3:03 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
Speaking of drivel - has anyone read Mr. Colvin's quotes in the Azcentral.com article regarding Dr Allison's retirement? Colvin says we need his successor to be someone with a "really, really strong business background" because kids graduating from the district needing remedial work before they can do college-level work, and he thinks someone from business can remedy that. Really - are you serious?
LiveInGilbert posted at 3:03 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
No, what the successor needs to be is someone who has a wide breadth and depth of educational experience and a passion for educating our children; he or she needs to understand the business of running the district and have competent financial help within the Administration to do so.
LiveInGilbert posted at 3:05 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
But wait ... it gets even more comical - or it would be if he wasn't referring to our GPS kids. Mr Colvin goes on to say "i'd like to find a business leader who can fix a company producing widgets with a fairly high defect ratio." Is that how our Board member views the District students? Has he reviewed the facts that GPS is an A rated district? And didn't he just vote to rescind closing the only C rated school in the district?
WesternConnections posted at 4:01 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
@ pd: "we have elected a person who has sued the district unreasonably..." Perhaps you would have preferred to have the district sued "reasonably" instead. Now hear this: the board member to whom you refer did NOT sue the district. Our sources say that untruth was started by ... wait for it ... Dave Allison, who later apologized. He made things all better with his apology, didn't he? BTW: as far as we know, there's no way to delete comments here, like you can do on FB. So you're stuck with what you write here, even when it's "lambast and libel" such as godhelpgilbert decries.
@ LiveInGilbert: "a limited number of the Gilbert voters did speak out in the last election ..." That "limited number" is called a majority in election-speak. That's why the override failed, and that's why EJ was unseated.
@ LiveInGilbert: "there is a difference between individual citizens going through the correct and legal process to file an FOIA request..." If the GPS administration would follow the law regarding releasing public records, there would not be a pending lawsuit on that very subject! It appears that you believe the process protects people who communicate with the administration, but you might be wrong. We recall that recently 'inside' information about a student was released when it was convenient to disparage a board member -- and you think it couldn't happen to you or your kids? Our experience is that GPS admins release or don't release information to some people but not to others, and some information may be redacted while other information isn't. There seems to be no rhyme or reason that we can discern. You might be surprised as the public records lawsuit proceeds; we'll do our best to keep the public informed.
WesternConnections posted at 4:02 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
@godhelpgilbert: From the comments here, the shoe now is on the other foot and it seems to be bothering some bunions.
GilbertMom01 posted at 4:46 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
I guess you could term 20,000+ voters limited, that is your opinion after all. You can criticize the intelligence level and motivations of those voters, too. I will say, however, at least they exercised their right to vote and make their voices heard. You don't have to agree with them and you don't have to be happy about the choice the voters made. All of this is your right as a citizen of the United States. You can talk about "facts" and how they have been twisted and made up or discarded. But, by the very definition of the word I would say that those things are not "facts" at all. Facts are indisputable. As far as being excluded in the decisions that the school board makes and not being involved if you have opposing opinions that is just nonsense. If you feel like you are being excluded and are not being heard, then I think it would be a good time to look at your message and how you are delivering it. Both of your posts (LiveInGilbert and godhelpgilbert) are negative, mean spirited, and full of misinformation. If you are conducting yourselves in this same manner at schools, school events, and school board meetings I would not blame people for dismissing you and your message altogether. You say that people and businesses will leave the Gilbert school district, and the communities in the Town of Gilbert because of our current board yet you keeping posting your nasty, petty and childish remarks for all the world to see. A person not knowledgeable about the issues that face our district might happen upon this site and this is what they see. Honestly, I would steer clear, too. So, if you really care about the education of all of the kids in the district and Gilbert Public Schools and its reputation, stop trying to widen the divide that we are currently facing. Grow up, put your big girl pants on, and get to work solving the real issues that face us. You can only be either part of the solution or part of the problem. Which one will you be?
LiveInGilbert posted at 5:49 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
Yes, looking at the size of Gilbert I would consider that number "limited" - but unfortunately so many Americans don't show up at the polls when they need to. I would agree with what you say regarding "facts" and the definition - that's not the point. The point is what people present at "facts" when truly they aren't - thus I and others dispute the statements when presented as "fact." Generally I don't believe my comments are mean-spirited, nasty, petty or childish - but that's your opinion and you are entitled to it as I am mine. The divide just continues to get wide as the Western Connection crew, the Fringe and Truth in Gilbert crews continue to post - do you read those sites like that and find the dialogue as part of healing a divide, working together and moving forward - or often filled with the nasty, petty and childish marks you show such disdain for?
LiveInGilbert posted at 6:04 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
Western Connections - hard to believe it but you missed my point all together on FOIA. What I was saying about FOIA was addressing GilbertMom's comment that "most correspondence sent to a Board Member through official district channels is considered public information" - and then went on to talk about how FOIA works. The point godhelpgilbert made was that a Board member posted it directly for commments - which clearly is not appropriate. Just because it could be requested as public information doesn't mean you can just post it and disregard FOIA requirements.
Mike McClellan posted at 6:07 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
Live, Colvin's comments about college students taking remedial classes -- does it apply to GPS grads? What study has he seen to make that claim?
Or is he assuming that since many Arizona h.s. grads have to take remedial classes, many GPS grads do, too?
I think it's the latter -- which is less than an accurate portrayal of our kids in Gilbert. If he has a study that is GPS-specific, he ought to reference it.
And his "widget" comment is comical and less than insightful, equating humans to a widget.
basinbsasins posted at 7:47 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
@Mike, please remember when speaking of Colvin that he "studied Engineering at MCC for four years". No where is a degree reported, just that he studied for four years. Perhaps he is speaking of himself when referring to necessary remedial classes?
So please don't confuse him, he's studying. These first 30 days probably have exhausted him. It's going to be a long four years. By my figuring, at the end of his term he'll be able to weigh in thoroughly about the new elementary ALP class set-ups.
@LiveinGilbert, rules don't apply to Staci or Julie or Daryl. Your comments have not been mean-spirited or nasty, and not remotely petty or childish. You seem to be speaking your opinion. Something the constitution bangers seem to forget is allowed!
LiveInGilbert posted at 10:11 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
Mike, I agree that Colvin's comments are probably of the latter - but am also sure there would be no study or factual basis that our GPS grads from our A district need to take remedial classes is certainly less than accurate ... at best.
LiveInGilbert posted at 10:11 pm on Mon, Feb 4, 2013.
GilbertMom-you can't really close a post where you have told me I am petty, nasty and childish and tell me to put by big girl pants on - can you? Don't worry - I wil continue to provide input regarding the significant issues of budgetary shortfalls, implementing the Common Core standards and selection of a highly qualified Superintendant who can continue to ensure the District maintains its high educational standards and A distinction. That does mean being able to provide input and speak freely regarding my opinions - even if they differ from yours.
basinbsasins posted at 7:16 am on Tue, Feb 5, 2013.
@GilbertMom01 says - "If you are conducting yourselves in this same manner at schools, school events, and school board meetings I would not blame people for dismissing you and your message altogether."
Thank you for your wise words, GilbertMom01. I will keep your advice in mind.
However, I will also keep the following in mind:
In December, Julie Smith followed a parent into the hallway after said parent took the allotted three minutes to speak to the board. Julie was animated, and in a raised voice told the parent "you can't say that". This parent had to be shown a back way out of the district offices, as Julie was causing such a ruckus preventing this parent's departure.The same Julie Smith who is rarely involved on her children's GPS campus, and at her children's charter school campus has created a huge divide in the parent/volunteer population.
Following your advice GilbertMom01, you won't blame me for dismissing Julie Smith or her message altogether. My hope is that GPS can survive these next 2 years without permanently damaging our stellar reputation, and in two years replace Staci Burk. 637 days until election day 2014!
informedmom posted at 1:02 pm on Tue, Feb 5, 2013.
I was at that meeting in December. Here's the facts: Julie Smith is very petite framed person. The person who made the public comment is bigger then Julie. I find it very CRAZY! That Julie is being even CONSIDERED for attempted kidnapping on that alone. This December meeting was a very well attended meeting that this supposed action happened. If this person Julie confronted felt any threat all she had to do is scream and yell and about 50 people would of been right there. This confrontation DID NOT happen in front of any doors, if the person who she was confronting wanted to walk away she could of. The person who made the public comment wanted to CREATE drama and was and still is enjoying playing the victim role. I am willing to bet if these accusations had any merit what so ever, Julie would not be on the board today. As to the not filing a false police report, Julie probably had better things to do like becoming a board member. Isn't it time to MOVE on and focus on rebuilding the district for the KIDS.
LiveInGilbert posted at 1:12 pm on Tue, Feb 5, 2013.
Informedmom- clearly you are not so informed.
LiveInGilbert posted at 2:11 pm on Tue, Feb 5, 2013.
And informedmom, if you want to discuss your knowledge, perception and/or opinion of events you always can do that. But please don't refer to them as "facts" - because as GilbertMom lectured on in a previous post: "You can talk about 'facts' and how they have been twisted and made up or discarded. But, by the very definition of the word I would say that those things are not "facts" at all. Facts are indisputable" I have read your comments a few times and believe they are your opinion or perception of events, but not indisputable or "facts." Except for your physical description of Julie - I will say that may be the only statement that is a fact.
godhelpgilbert posted at 8:28 pm on Tue, Feb 5, 2013.
Oh for heaven's sake. You tell something and this is how twisted it gets. Informedmom - The person that Julie confronted in the hallway did NOT file the police report. The individual who made up the story about filing a report on Facebook is a supporter of hers. It is that person, who wasn’t even at the meeting or even witnessed the conversation in the hallway that concocted the story, not the person Julie spoke to. The person did walk away from Julie during the conversation. I know because I was out there and witnessed it. The only person that created drama was Julie. You don't go chasing after someone to tell them they have no right to speak. Every parent and taxpayer in Gilbert has a right to stand up and speak about a concern. The person never felt threatened by Julie. Shocked that someone would act this unprofessionally - yes. But they weren’t threatened by her or her friends that were also there making comments. Is this something someone should lose their board seat for, no, but you certainly aren’t going to gain any voters with people seeing that happen and you aren’t building any confidence in your ability to be an adult about a situation either. As a board member, you are going to have people who aren't going to agree with something you say or do and you have to know how to handle that without aggravating the situation. The whole false police filing just added more drama, making people feel sorry for Julie and angry at the parent.
basinbsasins posted at 12:14 am on Wed, Feb 6, 2013.
@informedmom says - "and about 50 people would of been right there"
It should be "have" instead of "of". This is the same typo that was made in the email supposedly sent from an email account belonging to an A. Biggs. Coincidence? Maybe. But if so, it's a fairly fishy smelling coincidence in my book!
As for the rest of your comment, you truly are unaware of the truth and it's kind of pathetic. You are reading stories, and believing them as gospel. And it appears where you go for these stories is Facebook. Where people like H. S. Johnson dream things up and throw them out there, just to see where they end up. I'm sure he gets big jollies seeing his stories repeated again and again as truth. Then H. Matthews (Samuel Adams, JonathonCampbell, East Valley News Net) adds to the drama by perpetuating the fairytales on his "news site" and it becomes even more hilarious!
Right now, parents are grouping together and meeting to stay informed. Teachers are updating their resumes, and sending out feelers. And students are wondering which schools their parents are going to send them to next year. (Let's hope their choice isn't the only "C" rated school in our district!)
This district is coming up on some dark and ugly times. The terrible-trio has just begun their reign of terror, serving up their own agendas for their individual purposes.
But if you have a question, a complaint, an idea, a suggestion or a wardrobe critique for the board, be sure to email them. They love getting emails!