Superintendent Looking Elsewhere Dismal State Of Bonner County School Finances May Cost The District Its Top Official

The dismal financial shape of the Bonner County School District has Superintendent Max Harrell hunting for a new job.

Harrell has headed this troubled district of 6,000 students for only one year. Now he is one of six finalists for a superintendent post in Casper, Wyo.

Harrell will leave later this week to interview with the school board there, but he declined to comment about the Natrona County post.

Bonner County school board members were informed about Harrell’s job search this weekend. They said it would be a blow to the district to lose him.

“It would be absolutely devastating,” said school board member Willard Osmunson. “He is of the caliber and experience that our community and students need, but people abandon sinking ships.”

Bonner County is mired in budget problems because of a lack of funding and failed levies. The district may lose another $500,000 in funding this year because of statewide cutbacks.

Currently, the district needs more than $1 million just to fix school roofs. Building inspectors closed five classrooms at one elementary school because the leaks posed a safety hazard.

The purchase of buses, textbooks and classroom technology also has been put on hold as have salary increases for employees.

Voters have rejected three levies, and the district plans to try again in November.

The mounting problems prompted Harrell, the fourth superintendent here in five years, to look for a new job.

Harrell has a three-year contract and earns about $75,000.

“He (Harrell) describes himself as an action-oriented superintendent who is stymied at every turn by lack of funding,” said a summary prepared by the Natrona County hiring committee.

“Although he (Harrell) had done considerable research on the district before accepting the position, he did not realize the depth of the problem until he was on the job (in Bonner County).”

Harrell made the finalist list from 50 applicants and if he is hired would leave in October.

“I know it’s a tough job, but I hope he stays,” said board chairman Rebecca Hawkins. “He is an educational leader and the district is moving in the right direction with him here. He is getting the job done.”

Osmunson said Harrell was hired because of his experience in developing curriculum, and his ability to motivate teachers and staff. Instead Harrell has been forced to cut programs and fight for funding.

“We didn’t hire him to help us sink slower and that unfortunately is what is happening because of our finances,” Osmunson said. “And anyone who is capable of getting a job where they can constructively use their skills will leave.”

The district in Wyoming has 13,000 students and offers a salary of more than $81,000. Voters there also passed a $16.5 million bond levy in 1994 with $5.5 million going toward technology.

“I understand Bonner County is a tough district and the voters are conservative with their money,” said Natrona County school board chairman Donn McCall. “Our residents are conservative, too, but they put a high value on education.”

The Natrona County bond passed with 79 percent of the vote. McCall said a new superintendent likely will be named next week and that Harrell is a strong candidate if he made the finalist list.

“It’s agonizing what is happening in our district and this won’t help,” Osmunson said.

, DataTimes