SP board insists personnel issues remain private

Before the South Putnam School Board got down to business at its regular meeting Monday, board president Michael Rissler read a statement regarding personnel issues.

It said, "Long-time South Putnam Community School Board policies and directives have always maintained personnel issues in respect to the individuals were not discussed at public meetings."

This announcement was pursuant to Indiana State Teachers Association district union representative Kim Fidler's request to be put on the board's agenda to discuss personnel issues concerning the recent resignation of South Putnam High School teacher and varsity baseball coach Harold Campbell.

Campbell sought the assistance of ISTA shortly after tendering his resignation. He has said he feels he was coerced into resigning, and an investigation into the matter is currently underway.

This was the second time Fidler has made an appearance at a South Putnam School Board meeting.

"It is unfortunate that the union has taken the low road of being disruptive rather than constructive to the educational process," Rissler read. "The board has always expected their designated representative and school superintendent to deal directly and confidentially with the union representative as to personnel issues."

In addition, the board reemphasized the importance of the educational process and maintained that all personnel issues should be kept confidential.

To keep the details private and possibly find a resolution, Fidler has been told by the board's attorney John Zeiner to schedule a meeting with Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt.

Following adjournment of the meeting, Fidler spoke to the remaining crowd. In relation to the recent incident with Campbell, Fidler hopes an investigation will continue by administration, rumors stopped and the situation resolved.

If not, Fidler plans to be back at next month's board meeting, she said.