By Anita Todd, Special Articles
LAKE WALES – The Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a proposed agreement for termination “with cause” and apology from former Superintendent Dr. Wayne Rodolfich at a regular Board Meeting on Monday.
Rodolfich was terminated after the Board heard the results of an investigation into complaints he had created a hostile work environment and racially discriminated against at least one employee.
Robin Gibson, Special Council, LWCS, briefed the Board at a Special Meeting prior to the monthly meeting regarding the details of the proposed agreement.
Upon acceptance of the agreement, Rodolfich will receive 14 weeks of compensation minus any deductions such as taxes and other withholdings.
According to his employment contract – obtained by the Daily Ridge – his annual salary was $175,000. The agreement of 14 weeks – before any deductions – would be approximately $47,000.
“‘Without cause’ termination would have been 20 weeks,” Gibson reminded the Board of the detail from Rodolfich’s contract.
Also, Rodolfich will sign a letter of apology concerning the reason for termination, something that hasn’t been made public entirely at this time.
Rodolfich was hired in 2022 as the Superintendent and, until these allegations, had never had a complaint filed against him.
In other items at the meeting, the Board voted unanimously to hire Gregory Lewis as the Edward W. Bok Academy North principal.
Editors Note: We will have a future article about Principal Lewis.
Other agenda items voted on were the 2024-25 budget; Reading Plan; ESE Policy and Procedures; Mental Health applications; Hazel Health; Contractor Background Screenings; Good Cause Policy for Athletes; School Safety Policy; and Public Records Management. They all gained unanimous approval. The minutes from the three June meetings were also approved.
The next meeting will be Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. in the LWCS High School auditorium.
