Beaver Local superintendent in Columbiana County resigns

Associated Press

CALCUTTA

Citing philosophical differences, the Beaver Local school board has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Kent Polen but kept him on as a special assistant.

The board, by a vote of 4-0 Saturday, also appointed Louis Ramunno, 67, of Salem, as interim superintendent, effective Aug. 1. Board member Greg Eisenhart did not attend Saturday's special meeting.

Board President Bill Croxall said the parting between the board and superintendent was mutual and for the good of the district.

"We'll get through it. We hired a good guy (in Ramunno). The board will work diligently to make sure we have a smooth transition," Croxall said, noting he is looking for a "bright new beginning."

Croxall told the audience, some of whom openly questioned the decision, that the board's focus is now on the successful opening of the new K-12 facility in time for the new school year.

"The board all believes that the actions we are taking here today are done with the best interests of the school district and our students in mind," he said.

Under the terms of the settlement, Polen, 44, of Canfield, will stay on as special assistant to Ramunno through Jan. 31, 2016. Polen, who was hired as Beaver Local superintendent in 2011, had two years left on his three-year contract and will be paid about $60,000 of his $100,000 salary, said district Treasurer Stacy Williams.

Ramunno said his salary is still being negotiated, but he likely will be paid an hourly rate.

Board members did not elaborate on their differences with Polen, except to say that they have been brewing for some time and that they had to do with leadership style and education methods.