Update: The latest version of the agenda shows that Todd Jaeger is not listed as one of the administrators whose employment will be discussed at next Tuesday's meeting. The story has been edited to reflect that.
The job of Tucson’s largest school district’s leader is up for board discussion again.
Rachael Sedgwick, a new TUSD Governing Board member, requested that discussion just before the deadline for putting items on last week’s meeting agenda. But the item was removed before the public portion of the board meeting began last Tuesday.
The item is back on the agenda for Tuesday's 5:30 p.m. meeting. This time, Sedgwick isn’t alone in wanting to discuss the future of H.T. Sanchez. Board clerk Mark Stegeman is also listed as one of the requesters.
The matter will be discussed at a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Duffy Community Center, 5145 E. Fifth St.
The agenda says there will be a discussion, consideration and/or action regarding the “employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation” of the top administrator.
But it’s clear Sedgwick and Stegeman want to explore other options for superintendent than Sanchez.
“My intention is for us to take the opportunity to discuss the different options that could be available going forward,” Sedgwick said in an interview. Board members should be able to bring forward their concerns, suggestions or ideas about the district’s top administrator, she added.
It’s not necessarily that “we’re going to fire this guy,” she said. Should an occasion arise that Sanchez resigns or gets fired, there should be a system in place to deal with that, she said.
Board members, though she didn’t say which ones, have names of individuals who might be suitable for the superintendent’s job, she said.
Conversations are taking place outside of the boardroom, though. Stegeman met with Sanchez’s attorney alongside another attorney Thursday afternoon, Star columnist Tim Steller reported.
Stegeman and Sanchez could not be reached for comment.
Julie Tolleson, former general counsel at TUSD whom Jaeger replaced, expressed dismay in a letter addressed to the TUSD board.
“I just cannot shake the feeling that this agenda item elevates personal vindictiveness over the best interests of students and employees,” she said. “This board needs to quit chewing people up and spitting them out for sport.”
