DEC Executive Board Update on Executive Director Transition

Please note that the DEC President's Blog is now known as the DEC Executive Board's Blog. It is an opportunity to hear from any Board Member and for the Executive Board to speak as a whole to DEC members. Michael Barla, a DEC Member-at-Large, shared the following Member Alert via email and it is posted here...

Member Alert

December 14, 2012
 
On behalf of the DEC Executive Board, I would like to update you regarding transition planning for the Executive Director position in light of Sarah Mulligan’s upcoming resignation effective June 30, 2013.  Linking with DEC members/owners is one of the Executive Board’s most important roles.  After reading this message, we welcome your feedback via DEC’s Facebook page or DEC Executive Board’s Blog!

Data are now being collected to assist the Board in moving forward (e.g., we are collecting information regarding how like organizations operate, current executive director salaries/benefits packages, advantages and disadvantages of DEC being affiliated with other institutions, the pros and cons associated with hiring an interim director).  The initial phase of data collection and decision making should be completed early in January 2013.  We will do our best to keep DEC members/owners updated and create opportunities to be involved along the way.

Additional data have been provided by Sarah Mulligan including a prioritized list of projects undertaken by DEC along with her recommendations for timelines to ensure projects continue to move forward.   Further, a succession plan (as stated in our policies) will include delegation of DEC functions to current staff members and/or DEC members as volunteers during this period of transition. 

Questions have surfaced regarding the future location of DEC’s Executive Office space.  At this time, the Executive Board is focused on gathering data, developing the transition plan, and initiating the subsequent Executive Director search process.  Discussions regarding the physical location of the DEC Office will be ongoing.  As DEC members, you will be apprised of these discussions.

Lastly, Bruce Ramirez, Executive Director for the Council for Exceptional Children has shared his willingness to support the DEC Executive Board as a resource during this time.  The DEC Executive Board is very appreciative for the support and offering of CEC resources.

The DEC Executive Board is committed to open communication with members/owners throughout this process and will use social networking outlets, our “ForMembers” webpage, and Member Alerts to keep everyone informed.  As mentioned earlier, we welcome your feedback, questions, thoughts, and ideas.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Barla, Ed.D.

Member-at-Large

DEC Executive Board
barlamichael@rockwood.k12.mo.us