Board Makes Motion to Fire Wise

To begin the meeting, Chairwoman Vicki Drake read a prepared statement outlining her own personal concerns about Superintendent Joseph Wise's conduct and these concerns are the reason today's meeting was called. She then said it would be appropriate at this time for a board member to make a motion to terminate Wise "for cause."

That motion was made by board member Tommy Hazouri and seconded by Vice Chairwoman Betty Burney. Both Drake and Hazouri read from prepared statements. I am working on getting my hands on them, and they will be published when I do.

Now that a motion was on the floor, the public was given a chance to comment. The first person allowed to speak was Wise's legal representation, but Wise said he had none present.

Next up was long time educator, school cluster chief and former principal Jim Williams. His speech was empassioned in defense of Wise, almost to the point of yelling into the microphone. His voice cracked as he told the board they were making the wrong decision.

"You are making a very bad mistake if you intend to go in the direction that I think you're going," Williams said. "I think this district is in the process of making positive changes to educate our young people ... Is this action because of a perception of disrespect or are there legitimate issues?"

Williams then turned his attention to Wise, telling him "never, never, never, never give up."

Public comment will probably take a while. After that, the board will vote on the motion to fire Wise. If that motion carries, the meeting will be recessed, likely until tomorrow, while the board, Wise and the General Counsel's office work on his termination agreement.

In the meantime, Wise and Chief of Staff David Sundstrom will be put on administrative leave, according to the motion Hazouri made. That is to keep them from making any decisions in the interim. Ed Pratt-Dannals, the system's deputy superintendent, will be in charge.