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WRIGHT TWP. — Despite recurring reports that Crestwood Superintendent Joseph Gorham is on his way out, the official position of the district, as relayed through Solicitor Jack Dean, remains “no comment” because it is “a personnel matter.”
Gorham himself, who readily admitted he had been placed on paid leave pending an investigation into a problem with student bus driver clearances last October, was a bit more opaque about the issue of any imminent separation from the district.
“Personnel matters have to remain confidential,” he said. “I think what’s important to highlight is both the district and I remain in a contract, and in order to be released from a contract or resign a position there are details that have to be worked out so everyone is on the same page.
“If I didn’t work through the details of my departure, I’m violating my own contract, which would be unethical. And I certainly wouldn’t resign a position without making sure all information that needs to be transferred is transferred so that we can both move in a positive direction.”
Gorham and district Chief of Operations Chris Gegaris were put on paid leave Oct. 30 after a review by the state Auditor General’s office found the district office lacked required background clearance paperwork for bus drivers employed by the district’s transportation contractor, Rinehimer Bus Lines. While Rinehimer was responsible for getting clearances, the district must keep copies of them on file.
The discovery led to cancellation of school Oct. 24 and 25 until Rinehimer provided clearances for most drivers. Even then, solicitor Dean said the district still provided at least six teachers to ride with drivers lacking clearances, prompting a two-hour delay when school reopened Oct. 26.
The district launched an internal investigation and put Gorham and Gegaris on paid leave pending the outcome. The school board voted unanimously Nov. 20 to terminate the contract with Rinehimer effective Feb. 1.
Gorham said his current contract has about two-and-a-half years remaining. He said he has no knowledge of the status of the district investigation. “I haven’t been in the position to see any information. I wouldn’t be privy to that.”
While not confirming negotiations for his departure are underway, he spoke plainly of the issue. “For my family, it is best to resolve this matter sooner than later, so that everyone can move on and get their lives underway in a positive way.”