Plains School Board renews superintendent contract

The Plains School Board met on March 24 to address a single agenda item — one that had been quickly tabled from an earlier meeting. This item has sparked significant division within the community. One group is calling for the removal of Plains School District Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh, while the other is praising her accomplishments during her tenure and campaigning to renew her contract, which expires on June 30. 

The lengthy meeting began with public participation on non-agenda items. Karla Padden was the first of many individuals to share her views during the three-hour session.  

“I feel like our teachers are not feeling valued,” Padden said. “Nobody has addressed the concerns of the teachers.” 

Betty Revier Taylor, a resident of Plains for 60 years, addressed the board with a prepared list of questions and statements.  

“I began this journey as an advocate (of) the Plains School Board. But as (what) I investigated and found concern(ed) (me) regarding the expenditure of taxpayers’ dollars and observed your unwillingness to communicate and/or creative problem solve, you no longer have my support.”   

Taylor continued to address the board, raising questions about potential cost-saving measures, including the elimination of the full-time superintendent position. She also referenced the Feb.17 board meeting where Plains School staff member Mike Coles gave an emotional vote of no confidence from district teachers, a topic that was discussed in depth. Taylor herself had been a Plains School staff member during a similar vote of no confidence in 1992. 

Longtime resident Lisa French stood before the board saying, “I served as a school board member for this school for several terms in which three superintendents came and went. Dr. Walsh came here and was hired to do a job. She came here to make a difference. I think she gives 100% and expects that in return. As I look at the School Board seated here, I see people who choose to serve, not with an agenda, but with hope they can make a difference.” She continued, “I applaud and commend the strength and the courage and grace under fire of Dr. Walsh.” 

Local resident Kathy Abarr addressed the board with several questions.  

“I want to understand why Dr. Walsh should be kept on as Superintendent of this school. I then need to understand why those with a vote of no confidence of 90%, by those that she supervises, seemingly want her contract to not be renewed.” 

Erika Lawyer commented, during the meeting, that she has hardly missed a board meeting in 10 years.  

“I don’t feel like theirs ever been a board, minus one, that has been less attentive and less attention to detail of board policy before they make a decision.” 

Kim Lakko, a special education teacher from Plains, stood before the board to commend the exceptional quality of educators in the district.  

“I love the teachers I work with. I appreciate them,” Lakko said. “Concerns are amazing, they are great things, they are starting blocks to listen and to improve.”   

Lakko continued her address to the board, emphasizing the quality of the staff and the critical importance of effective communication across the district. 

At the end of the public comment period, the board moved on to the next item on the agenda: the consideration and possible action to approve an addendum to the superintendent's contract.  

Board Chair Beau French stated, “In consideration of the  PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)  giving us (the board) a very long listed document, we will move in to a closed session and go over all those concerns of the PTO together and with Dr. Walsh, so we can address all those issues the PTO has brought to us.” 

After making that statement, the board, along with Walsh, entered a closed session that lasted over an hour. 

Upon their return, the board held a vote to approve the addendum to the superintendent’s contract. Board member Lana Dicken motioned to approve the 2025-2026 addendum, which outlines the specific terms, responsibilities, and duties of the superintendent. This addendum extends Walsh’s contract from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. 

The contract is contingent upon the superintendent providing documentation of her current validation certification and any necessary endorsements required for performing her duties. Additionally, the contract stipulates that the superintendent must maintain all necessary endorsements throughout her employment. Walsh currently holds a provisional Class Five certification, valid through June 30, 2027. 

The vote to extend Walsh’s contract passed, with Beau French, Lana Dicken, Steve Spurr, and Monica Weedeman voting in favor, and Ellen Childress casting the lone dissenting vote.

    Plains Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh listens to resident comments at the last school board meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Plains Special Education teacher Kim Lakko praises teachers throughout the school district at a recent school board meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Betty Revier Taylor gives a lengthy comment during the Plains School Board meeting about the board's expenditures of taxpayers' dollars. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)