Last week, I read the article in the Morning Sentinel titled “Retiring Oakland-area school superintendent rehired at $75,000 salary” and was disheartened to see that the school board was able to create a new position and have it approved without any input from the taxpayers. Then, to read the comment from the superintendent of schools, Carl Gartley, saying residents questioning the creation of the new administrative position was “a small group that’s attacking the school board on Facebook.”

I believe there are more concerns than those who have voiced concerns on Facebook. Therefore the issue should not be minimized or brushed under the rug. While I don’t think that differences should be aired on Facebook, sometimes social media is helpful to get the word out. The taxpayers of Oakland, Belgrade, Sidney, Rome and China deserve answers regarding the creation of this new position. Why is this position necessary? The application for the position requires at least seven years of experience as an assistant superintendent. And, from what I’ve been told, there are systems set in place to support new superintendents that don’t require using taxpayers money.

It’s upsetting knowing that just months ago, the school board was very reluctant to give adequate wages to support staff, stating that it was not in the budget. So, adding this new position doesn’t make sense. If the position is necessary, I feel the school board should answer the concerns of the taxpayers.

Sherrie Corbett Mather

Oakland