District 113A Releases Resignation Agreement with Former Superintendent Tim Ricker

released further details Wednesday of the resignation agreement between the school board and former Superintendent Tim Ricker.

Under the agreement, which was  during a special meeting Dec. 23, the board agreed to compensate Ricker only for unused vacation days, compensation and benefits accumulated through Dec. 31, 2011, Ricker's final day with the district.

[View complete agreement by clicking the PDF file to the right.]

According to the agreement, District 113A and Ricker "mutually release each other" from any and all liability, claims, suits, grievances, damages or attorney fees related to the Ricker's employment or termination of his employment.

The board also agreed to protect Ricker against "any and all demands, claims, suits, actions and legal proceedings," pursuant to the Illinois School Code. Since there is current litigation to which he may be requested to participate, the board agreed to cover travel expenses "on a per diem based upon the annual salary provided in the 2011-12 contract year" for time spent defending actions related to litigation.

Additionally, Ricker and school board members agreed to refrain from making any negative comments—publicly or privately, verbally or in writing—toward the other party.

According to the agreement, which was obtained by Patch through a Freedom of Information Act request, Ricker tendered his resignation to the school board Friday, Dec. 23—two days after Board President Mike Aurelio called a special meeting to discuss an employment issue.

"It has been my distinct honor to serve the community and students, and to work with the administrative team," Ricker stated in the letter.

The resignation came just three days after a tense board meeting in which  that District 113A received in late August.

The audit was conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education on a 2008-09 transportation claim made by former District 113A Business Manager Bob Beckwith. According to Ricker, the auditor determined that District 113A received "unallowable reimbursements" totaling $305,056 for regular transportation and $23,900 for special education transportation.

Board members learned of the adjustment in December, more than 10 months after Ricker was first informed that the district would have to pay back the state.

District 113A is currently under the leadership of Asst. Superintendent Mary Gricus and the district's administrative team while the school board searches for an interim superintendent.

According to Board President Mike Aurelio, the board interviewed one candidate during the Dec. 23 meeting. They hope to interview one or two more candidates during a special meeting Jan. 11, Aurelio said.

Gricus is ineligible for the position because she lacks proper certification, according to district officials. 

Aurelio said the board has been working with the Illinois Association of School Boards, the same firm that is searching for its permanent superintendent, to fill the interim position. IASB officials have provided at least one outside candidate, but others could be considered as well, he said.

The interim superintendent will serve on a part-time basis until June 30, 2012, the date Ricker was scheduled to retire before he turned in his resignation.

The board will also move forward with its search for a permanent superintendent—a process that began in October when the board  at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.

"The Board of Education is confident that the administrators, faculty and staff remain committed to providing students with a quality education during this transition period," Board Member and Spokesperson Lisa Wright said in a press release. "The Board fully supports and respects their work and will ensure that the key issued related to student achievement are priorities as the Board plans for the future."