By Anita Todd, Special Articles
LAKE WALES – The Settlement Agreement approved between the Lake Wales Charter School System and former Superintendent Dr. Wayne Rodolfich has been signed by both parties. The Agreement is the written legal document that the LWCS Board of Trustees unanimously approved during a meeting on July 24. On June 7, Rodolfich was terminated “for cause” by a 5-1 vote of the LWCS Board for allegations of creating a hostile work environment and one claim of racial discrimination.
Also as part of the agreement, Rodolfich agreed to apologize to the LWCS System via a written statement.
Per the Agreement, within 30 days of executing it, Rodolfich will receive 14 weeks of pay – less applicable tax withholdings – via direct deposit; any of Rodolfich’s attorney fees are his responsibility, and all his benefits stopped on his last day of employment. In the future, the LWCS system cannot employ him in any capacity. Once the Agreement was signed, Rodolfich had seven calendar days to revoke the Agreement in writing to Brian Koji, the LWCS attorney. Now that that period has passed, neither LWCS nor Rodlfich may file any other agreements or negotiations.
The apology from Rodolfich, also dated July 24, is included in the Agreement. In the letter, he apologizes to the Board and his colleagues “for creating an environment as Superintendent that I now understand some people perceived to be hostile. This includes my demeanor and actions during the spring 2024 academic term which I understand to be the subject of some of the allegations against me.”
He goes on to say that during that specific time, he had certain “educational and operational matters” that he wanted to address that made him angry. He said that from his perspective his tone was “passion for our students” but that it could have been misinterpreted. He apologized for “failing to display graceful leadership during those moments.”
He wrote that any allegations of racism hurt him deeply and that he still celebrates the system’s diversity. He apologized to anyone who ever felt that his actions were influenced by race. He said that during his tenure, “No one I have worked with has ever been looked down upon or otherwise been treated differently because of race.”
Rodolfich was hired in July 2022 after a nationwide search for a Superintendent.
The LWCS Board of Trustees will hold a work session on Monday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. with a meeting at 5:30. Both will be held in the LWHS Auditorium.
