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Pine Island School Superintendent Chris Bates has resigned to accept a job with another school district, a departure that has effectively preempted what appeared an attempt by the Pine Island board’s four new members to oust him.

The four – John Champa, Kim Fall, Angela Heiden and Rob Warneke – had, at the July 23 board meeting, disregarded Minnesota School Boards Association guidelines, brushed aside their board colleagues’ recommendations and pushed through an abbreviated job performance evaluation timeline that would’ve given Bates no time to respond to the evaluation. Indeed, the abridged timeline called for a contract renewal vote immediately after the appraisal.

Before the board voted, at a special meeting July 30, on accepting Bates’ resignation, Vice Chairwoman Janet Szajner read a prepared statement: “It has been a pleasure to work with Mr. Bates the past six years. His leadership has allowed this district to remain financially sound, even with less-than-adequate funding. He has led the district through a major renovation, a natural disaster (the 2010 flood) and a successful operating levy.

“Mr. Bates has been dedicated to the education of our students. He has developed a system using data for curriculum and instructional improvement and worked with staff to align our curriculum to state standards.

“He has been transparent with the board of education and very supportive of our decisions.

“Mr. Bates is a man of character and integrity. He has definitely left a positive imprint in our district. We wish him success with his new opportunities.”

Szajner also reminded listeners that in 2008, the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) honored Bates with its Kay E. Jacobs Award. The annual accolade goes to new school administrators who show exceptional leadership and involvement in MASA and other educational organizations.

Then in a roll call, board members accepted Bate’s resignation, 6-0. Randy DePestel voted, “Yes, reluctantly.”

Next day, Bates started his new job, as superintendent of schools in Crookston, Minn.

Interim superintendent search begins

Following acceptance of Bates’ resignation, the board took up the question of finding an interim superintendent. When superintendent positions open up this close to the start of a new school year, Vice Chairwoman Szajner said, they’re normally filled by interim superintendents.

Board members unanimously authorized posting the interim opening the next day. They also scheduled an open meeting for 7 p.m., Aug. 13, at the school, to discuss establishing criteria for the interim superintendent position and a timeline for hiring a permanent administrator. And if any job applications have arrived by then, the board will discuss them at the meeting.