Covid disagreements may be reason for Council Rock superintendent’s departure

It appears that disagreements between some Council Rock School Board members and Superintendent Robert Fraser over COVID-19 protocols played at least some and possibly a significant role in his departure from the district.
The two parties mutually agreed to part ways while Fraser – Council Rock’s superintendent since 2015 – was on a medical leave that extended until April 30. The school board voted 6-3 at a Feb. 17 special meeting to approve a separation agreement with Fraser
While most school board members aren’t saying much and Fraser could not be reached for comment, remarks made by board member Yota Palli at the Feb. 17 meeting and events in the district over the last two years seem to indicate that differences over Covid could have been central in Fraser’s exit.
He disagreed frequently with some board members at public meetings over protocols like masking and when to return students to in-person instruction since the pandemic hit in March of 2020.
“Dr. Fraser is a very competent professional and there is no reason for separation,” Palli said at the special meeting. “I don’t find it prudent and in the best interests of our community and students.”
Alluding to the differences on COVID-19 protocols, she added that Fraser was essentially pushed out “only because he recommended the advice of the experts.” Palli only recently joined the board and was not on it for much of the pandemic.
She voted against the separation agreement along with Ed Tate and Mariann McKee. Voting in favor were board President Ed Salamon, Vice President Michael Thorwart and members Kristin Marcell, Joseph Hidalgo, Mike Roosevelt and Bob Hickey.
Palli also lamented the cost of the agreement to taxpayers. Fraser will get a lump sum payment of $238,356 and $20,916 for unused vacation days, plus a $28,465 employer contribution to his 403(b) account.
In addition, Palli and a resident questioned the transparency of the process and Palli pointed out that things seemed fine between the board and Fraser before the pandemic. He agreed to a new five-year contract with an initial annual salary of $220,000 in January of 2020, just before the pandemic hit.
“Certain board members have been less transparent,” the resident said at the special meeting. “If the board cared about what is best, it wouldn’t be buying out the superintendent.
“This seems like a district unsure of the path it’s heading in. Let’s work together and put aside our political agendas.”
In response to assertions about transparency made by Palli, who read from a written statement at the Feb. 17 meeting, Hidalgo asked her repeatedly if she wanted Fraser’s performance reviews to be made public.
“If you would like to share them with the public, I think that would be great,” Palli responded.

Marcell, presumably for Palli’s benefit, asked school district Solicitor Rob Cox to give his thoughts on why personnel matters are discussed in executive sessions away from the public.
“Reviews of any employees should be occurring in executive session,” Cox said. “In my considered opinion, the board has acted lawfully at all times when it has discussed personnel matters in executive session.”
Neither Hidalgo or Marcell commented on why they voted yes on the separation agreement. It prohibits such specific comments from both sides, district officials said.
“By the terms of the legal (separation) agreement between CRSD and Dr. Fraser, who I admire greatly, I cannot comment,” Tate wrote in a recent email to The Herald.
“The only thing I can add on the topic is to say I’m grateful for Dr. Fraser’s service to our district and appreciated his leadership,” McKee added in another email. “I wish him well going forward.”
Board President Salamon and Vice President Thorwart did not respond to emailed requests for comment.
Among many other provisions, the separation agreement prohibits both Fraser and the school board from pursuing future claims against each other related to Fraser’s employment.
“The board and Dr. Fraser have mutually concluded that at the end of the transition period (conclusion of his medical leave), it is in the best interests of both parties for Dr. Fraser to pursue other opportunities and for the board to install a new superintendent,” the agreement states.
A “joint public statement” attached to the document reads: “The Council Rock School Board wants to thank Dr. Fraser for his service to and leadership of the Council Rock School District. The board wishes him success in his future ventures.
“Dr. Fraser thanks the board, including prior board members, for the opportunity to lead the district and wishes the district continuing success in its mission to educate children.”
The board has enlisted the help of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in finding a new permanent superintendent at a cost estimated at about $1,000 and not to exceed $5,000 for the cost of advertising, marketing, postage and travel. The IU, which does not charge a fee for the service but only for search-related expenses, has helped several other Bucks County school districts find new superintendents in recent years.
Until a new permanent superintendent is found, Assistant Superintendent Susan Elliott is also acting as substitute superintendent. She did not respond to an email asking whether she was interested in being Council Rock’s superintendent on a permanent basis.
The entire separation agreement and related documents can be viewed by going to the BoardDocs section of the Council Rock website, crsd.org., and clicking on the personnel actions agenda item for the Feb. 17 meeting.

---

Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.