Published March 20, 2008 10:11 pm - A procedural glitch has extended James Candela’s tenure with the Ashtabula Area City Schools District. Candela, former Lakeside High School principal, will continue to serve as “principal on special assignment” through July 31, 2010. His annual salary will be $89,471.
James Candela to remain ‘principal’ another 2 years
By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
ASHTABULA — A procedural glitch has extended James Candela’s tenure with the Ashtabula Area City Schools District.
Candela, former Lakeside High School principal, will continue to serve as “principal on special assignment” through July 31, 2010. His annual salary will be $89,471.
Superintendent Joseph Donatone recommended the board hire Candela for three years, but no one on the board introduced his recommendation to the council.
Donatone then read a statement from the Ohio Revised Code, specifying that school administrators must be evaluated annually during the first two years of a three-year contract and twice during the final year.
Donatone then recommended Candela be given a two-year contract in accordance with the school board’s obligation under Ohio law. The board voted down the recommendation, with board member Steve Candela — his father — abstaining.
Even so, James Candela will work two more years with the district because former school superintendent William Licate, who retired two years ago, failed to evaluate him during the first year of Candela’s present three-year contract.
Donatone said he evaluated James Candela during the past two years but had no control over what had transpired prior to his becoming superintendent.
When contacted at home Thursday, Licate said he didn’t recall what happened. “That was three years ago,” he said.
As “principal on special assignment,” Candela’s job duties and responsibilities include administration, test coordination, co-chairing the professional development committee, chairing the athletic board of control, organizing the elementary basketball league, co-chairing the health and safety committee and coordinating training and records for a drug-free workplace, among other duties.
On Thursday, board members refused to comment on their ‘no’ votes.
School board member David Sheldon was absent from the meeting.
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