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Woodward: ‘no desire’ to continue contract

NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Board of Education will begin the process of searching for a new superintendent of schools at next Monday’s regular meeting.

The development follows an announcement by current Superintendent Tim Woodward and a second vote by the board to stop negotiations on Woodward’s contract during a special meeting Monday at the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center.

“I really don’t have any desire to work for this board at the end of my contract,” Woodward said, noting he will stay on until his contract ends June 30. “I look forward to being fired twice. I don’t know of anyone who can say that.”

During the March 11 regular meeting, the board voted 4-0, with board member Caroll Rosenlieb recusing herself, to halt negotiations on Woodward’s contract. Monday’s vote fell on the same lines. In a statement issued Wednesday, Woodward alleged the first vote was illegal because it had not been included in the meeting’s agenda.

Monday’s vote and announcement came after several weeks of meetings, during which several residents have appeared to level allegations of impropriety against Woodward, including accusations of harassment of teachers and the improper release of student information.

“It’s been a definite war on my reputation without any foundation,” Woodward said, denying the allegations.

Rosenlieb announced two weeks ago she would recuse herself from any discussion and vote on the contract, citing a possible conflict of interest.

Rosenlieb explained she had contacted the West Virginia Ethics Commission because Woodward’s daughter rents a house in Morgantown owned by Rosenlieb’s family.

Woodward, however, said there was no reason for Rosenlieb to recuse herself, explaining he also had contacted the Ethics Commission.

“I shared my tax returns and information,” Woodward said, explaining his daughter is not financially dependent on him.

Woodward was originally hired by the board in May 2017, with a two-year contract and a salary of $110,000 per year.

Also before the board meeting Monday, following a two hour executive session, the board voted 3-2 to terminate its contract with attorney David F. Cross.

The first of two hearings also was held on the proposed calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.

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