Opinion ID: 773170
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Ulichny's Second Year5

Text: 12 Staff and teacher evaluations of Ulichny's second year also produced varying opinions of Ulichny's performance as principal; some believed Ulichny to be doing an excellent job while others felt equally as strongly that Ulichny was not performing well. Although Budisch did not issue a formal, written evaluation of Ulichny, he did inform Ulichny, via a letter, that the School Board, based primarily on the negative comments of some of the teachers and staff, had issued a preliminary notice of non-renewal on January 31, 1997. Budisch's letter to Ulichny informed her that the Board was considering the non-renewal of her contract and that she was entitled to a hearing before a final decision was made. She requested a hearing and it was scheduled for February 26, 1997. 13 At the private hearing before the School Board, Ulichny presented the testimony of several supportive staff members and teachers who spoke at length concerning the criticisms that had been leveled against her. Much of the discussion focused on criticisms alleging a negative school climate, strained relationships, and/or poor communication between Ulichny and some members of the staff and teachers. 14 After the hearing, the School Board notified Ulichny on March 7, 1997, that it was not renewing her contract. Despite this decision, the Board did offer her a one-year contract for the 1997-98 school year as the Merton Intermediate School Principal (Grades 6-8), and Ulichny accepted the position. 15 After Ulichny's acceptance of the offer, the Board issued a written evaluation of her performance during the 1996-97 school year. The Board concluded, consistent with the criticisms leveled against Ulichny by certain members of the staff and teachers, that Ms. Ulichny's leadership skills need a great deal of improvement and also that a large group [of faculty and staff] lacks confidence in her abilities as a principal. The School Board cited school improvement, school climate, leadership, and interpersonal relationships as the areas where there was a significant need for improvement on Ms. Ulichny's behalf. The Board suggested that Ulichny register for classes and workshops to help her improve in those areas and stated its expectation . . . that there will be measurable and significant improvement in her performance. The Board also directed that Ulichny agree to a formal plan of assistance that included a process of continuous evaluation and feedback on the areas previously noted and goals and steps to accomplish these goals. 16