Author: Kristie Wells
During the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, August 20th, three pivotal topics will be discussed, all centered around the question: Who will manage IVGID going forward? (Agenda)
These topics will likely shape the future of our District’s leadership:
- Review, Discuss, and Approve Request for Proposal for Management Services.
- This item, requested by Director of Human Resources Erin Feore, will determine the Board’s approach to outsourcing management services through a Request for Proposal (RFP). This could have long-lasting impacts on how IVGID is operated.
- Review and Discuss Options and Possibly Appoint an Interim District General Manager.
- Chair Sara Schmitz is spearheading this discussion, which may lead to the appointment of an Interim General Manager to fill the leadership void.
- Review, Discuss, and Possibly Approve Employment Separation Agreement with Bobby Magee. (Agreement)
- General Counsel Sergio Rudin will lead this agenda item regarding the approval of a separation agreement for General Manager Bobby Magee. Magee took the reins on March 6, 2024, and three months later, submitted his resignation, effective October 5, 2024. (Article)
- However, the Board is now considering an early separation date, placing Magee on unpaid administrative leave as of August 21st and paying him $23,999.98 in severance.
At the February 14th Board of Trustees meeting, many members of the public urged the Board to avoid committing to a long-term contract with Magee, given his lack of experience managing a District. Instead, a short-term agreement through the end of the year was proposed, but these concerns were dismissed by Trustees Schmitz, Dent, and Tulloch, who locked Magee into a two-year contract. (Watch that meeting here)
Six months later, IVGID is once again searching for a new General Manager.
The abrupt decision to place Magee on leave 45 days early raises new questions, particularly given Chair Schmitz’s insistence on having a General Manager in place during the August 6th meeting. What changed in the past week to prompt this early exit?
The separation agreement submitted to the Board for approval is strikingly incomplete, notably missing a clear separation date. This oversight is especially surprising given Chair Schmitz’s typical insistence on precision from staff. It appears that Schmitz and legal counsel were responsible for drafting the agreement, making this a classic case of “do as I say, not as I do.”
The District has been plagued by HR issues since Schmitz, Dent, and Tulloch have ruled as the board majority. Long-tenured staff have left, cash reserves have been depleted, and morale is at an all-time low.
The decisions this Board will make on August 20th are critical to shaping the future direction of IVGID. We can only hope they handle this responsibly and avoid further missteps.