A Special Meeting of the Griswold School Board was held Monday evening to discuss the process used to fill a job vacancy. Superintendent Dave Henrichs told KJAN News the meeting was called with regard to the hiring to fill a Softball Coach vacancy and any other vacancy for that matter, where timing is of the essence. Some wondered why a committee wasn’t formed to select a candidate. Henrichs said both Mrs. Elwood and Mr. Horton noted that based upon some jobs and on the timing, they do use committees at some point, but it was not used in this case because Mr. Gross’s resignation came not long before Spring Softball practice is set to begin May 6^th. The Board agreed there is a need to get more stakeholders involved in the selection process when opportunities present themselves.

During their meeting April 15^th, it was noted the position of head softball coach was offered and accepted by an individual prior to that meeting, but during the Public Comment period, a number of people in attendance voiced their displeasure with the selection. Henrichs said during the Board’s next regular meeting in May, they will review some of the policies involved in hiring. The Board Monday night, learned there were two candidates for the Head Softball Coach, but as of last Thursday, one of the candidates asked to withdraw from consideration. A vote was held following a closed session to discuss the remaining candidate. When the open session resumed, the Board voted 5-2 to hire Jody Rossell as the Head Softball Coach. Heather Pelzer and Scott Peterson voted No. Rossell is the current head high school volleyball coach, and has served as assistant high school softball coach.

Now the search begins to fill the assistant softball coaches position at Griswold. The District will advertise for the post. Henrichs said also, an item was added to the agenda with regard to an offer having been made on the Elliott Building, which is listed for sale by Bergren Real Estate in Griswold. Discussion followed as to whether to negotiate with the potential buyer, or accept the proposal. He said they will discuss that more during a special meeting Monday, April 29^th. Henrichs said it appears a group of people with multiple plans may be investing in the building. That might include using a couple of rooms for a daycare, a couple for a boutique, the gym for an auctionhouse and/or events center, the kitchen for a catering business, and maybe even a teen center.