Eden School Board Member Brian Burgstahler resigns after exchange

Hot tempers on a cold night ended with a member of the Eden School Board resigning Monday (Feb. 13). Brian Burgstahler stepped down following a hostile exchange of words between board members. “I can no longer support the decisions that come out of this meeting. As of tonight I am resigning,” Burgstahler said.

The move followed a heated discussion that began with Eden School Board President Steven Cerne’s recommendation to hire a consultant to study the scheduling process, a project that would cost the district $6,500. Burgstahler immediately inquired about the reasons behind the recommendation, saying that he thought that the topic of revising the schedule was over at the last meeting. Last month, all three principals in the district presented lengthy evaluations of the scheduling process at each grade level.

When The Sun spoke to Marc Graff, the principal of Eden Jr./Sr. High School at that meeting he said the current schedule is working and would not change it. Burgstahler also pointed out that the district’s priorities should be focused on the ongoing teacher contract negotiations instead of the study to analyze the scheduling process.

“We have teachers, administrators and staffers who are working without a contract. Your people come first. Ninety-five percent of the people in this district are hating life right now.”

Board member Patrick Howard agreed with Burgstahler.

“When we heard from the administrators at the last meeting, the majority of teachers were for no change in scheduling,” he said.

Howard also pointed out that even if they do vote against it, the two of them will be outvoted by others on the board, saying that they are in the minority. Colin Campbell accused Burgstahler of using the public meeting to express his concerns “Brian, you are grandstanding.” Campbell also directed a comment at Howard. “It (the board) doesn’t have to be a cohesive unit, it’s a democracy. You guys aren’t putting forward competing ideas,” he said.

It was not the first incident of raised voices at an Eden School Board meeting. Just two months ago, Burgstahler and Howard voiced their objections to decisions made by Cerne, Campbell and others on the board in regards to hiring another legal firm to represent the district, saying the hiring process did not follow the proper procedure as set forth by district policy. The topic was brought up again on Monday during the heated discussion.

Also Monday, Superintendent Ronald Buggs brought the conversation back to the scheduling process, saying that the district policy is to get three quotes for services ranging between $5,000 to $10,000. There was just one quote on the scheduling analysis. Board member Michael Breeden agreed with Buggs, “What would be the harm in getting two more quotes?”

Cerne agreed to table the issue until the next meeting while Buggs and others in the district spend some time researching other potential vendors for the scheduling study. Before the meeting concluded, Burgstahler, who had two more years left on his term, resigned.

The crowd immediately voiced their disappointment with groans, and some even begged Burgstahler to rethink his decision as he walked out of the Eden High School cafeteria.

Colleen Kot, president of the Eden Teachers Association, was among those hoping that Burgstahler might have a change of heart. “We’re very disappointed and shocked. He’s going to be greatly missed. He’s always been a supporter of the ETA. We thank him for his years of service,” Kot said.

When asked for his comment on Burgstahler’s resignation, Cerne said, “I’m sorry he disagrees and will no longer be a part of the board.”

Board members will consider three options to fill the vacant seat: a special election, someone would be appointed to fill the seat or the seat will be left vacant until May.