Kim Hart’s statement

I feel as if I have been put in a situation where I must defend myself against this sudden action this evening by the Board of Education. I do appreciate the support I have been given by both Mr. Thorp and Mr. Foltz.
I was just informed this was to be added to the agenda this afternoon at 2:45 p.m., although Mr. Tripp did, in a meeting with me last Wednesday, indicate to me that there had been significant discussion among board members with regard to buying out my contract and that there had been significant discussion among board members with regard to buying out my contract and that there was likely enough votes to support that action.
I object to the actions this evening of the Board of Education. I want to know what the specific charges are against me. I am requesting a formal hearing to discuss this matter and the charges against me.
I have never been reprimanded, written up, or given any directive or personal goal by the Board of Education that has not been followed to the letter.
I have given 110 percent of my time, efforts and energy to the students of this district for the past 17 years. There have been many positive things that have happened in this district during my tenure as superintendent, a I have discussed with you as recently as March of this year.
I remain concerned that there is a male-female issue at play here, which I have discussed with several of you on several occasions. An example of this was when the Board President in a public meeting referred to me as ‘the board hired this young lady to take care of these things? instead of as ‘the district superintendent.?
I have a contract through June of 2008, the wording and the specifics of which were rewritten just a few months ago. This contract superceded all other contracts at that time,
My contract calls only for an annual evaluation of my performance. The also may be terminated only for the acts of moral turpitude or misconduct committed during the terms of the terms of this contract, or if a term or covenant of the contract has been violated. I don’t see where your actions tonight fit with the language of this contract.