BY STACI WILSON

After sitting at the helm of the Mountain View School District for just under two years, Superintendent Francine Shea’s contract was severed by the school board, effective immediately on Monday night.

The special board meeting was announced on the district website Monday. Shea was not present at the 8 p.m. meeting.

With all school directors present, the board vote to terminate Shea was unanimous. The board exercised its “Right of Unilateral Termination.” Under that provision, Shea can collect five months’ salary and personal leave reimbursement.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Karen Voigt was appointed to temporarily fill the superintendent’s position.

Shea was hired by the board in June 2012 at a salary of $100,000 and took over the position on July 1, 2012. She replaced Andrew Chichura, who served in the position from 2006 until 2012; and also served in that capacity from 1984-1996.

Her termination comes a full year before her contract was set to expire.
The contract provides for the board to conduct an annual evaluation of the superintendent to be conducted prior to June 15 each year in a closed door session.

Prior to the board taking action, one learning support teacher said he had met Shea during the interview and hiring process, and had the opportunity to work with her in meetings on numerous occasions. He said Shea was “a pleasure to work with personally and professionally.”