Just days after a 7.05-mill emergency operating levy had failed by a slim margin, current Monroe superintendent Elizabeth Lolli had asked the school board to allow her to get out of the remaining two years of her contract with the district in order to take a job as a consultant for the Butler County Educational Service Center.
“I’m looking forward to this. I’ve known Libbie for a number of years. She promised to get me up to speed quickly, and my wife’s happy to kick me out of the house after a year of retirement. I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”
Cagwin had retired last year from the Talawanda school district in Oxford, after spending 10 years as superintendent.
“It’ll be a good transition for us. And Dr. Lolli and Dr. Cagwin have agreed to communicate and work through what ever they need to do during their transition,” said board president Brett Guido.
Guido said Cagwin will be paid $407.69 per day. . The approved contract is from Sept. 15 through July 31, 2013.
In a prepared statement, Lolli said “… The community can be assured that the district is now well run on both sides of the organization. Dr. Cagwin’s capable leadership will continue the course that has been set. The difficult decisions for the survival of the district have been made and with a levy passage, additional dismantling of the district will be avoided.
“…It is my hope that the community will unite in its effort to keep the Monroe Local School District a strong, successful district.”
The district is facing an operating deficit of $2.2 million, plus a bond retirement debt of $3.1 million, said school officials.
A state-appointed Financial Planning and Supervision Commission has until Sept. 27 to come up with a recovery plan for the district. Their next meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. today at the school.
Prior to the board meeting, a reception was held in Lolli’s honor. Several members of her family were on hand as the board members presented her with a plaque to thank her for her years of service to the district.
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