In the last few months, the Wabash District #348 school board has approved two separation agreements with administrators. Up until now, the details of those agreements have been kept confidential, but a Freedom of Information Act request made by WSJD sheds light on how much the two agreements will cost the district and ultimately taxpayers.
The first agreement was approved by the school board at their April 15th meeting with former junior high principal Steve Holt. The terms of the agreement state that Holt and the district will mutually part ways on June 30th of 2025. Until then, Holt will be on paid administrative leave. While on paid administrative leave, Holt will receive the same salary and benefits that he received during the prior academic year. The agreement goes on to state that Holt will not be required to use vacation, personal, or sick leave during the time he is on paid administrative leave. In consideration for Holt’s resignation and in order to assist him with the purchase of optional service credit, the board agreed to pay Holt $32,593.93.
The second agreement was reached last Monday during a special school board meeting with former MCHS principal Andrew Shelby. The agreement between the district and Shelby stated that he resigns all positions within the district on August 2nd. In consideration for Shelby’s resignation, the board approved to pay him $26,000. It is the second settlement Shelby has made with a school district. In 2014, Shelby was paid more than $95,000 after being placed on administrative leave at Herrin Elementary School. School officials there cited a “difference in educational philosophy” as the reason for the separation. After resigning his Mt. Carmel position, Shelby has now taken a job as Assistant Program Administrator position at The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County.