By Nathan Straus
nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com
Jacksonville Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Joe Wardell received an evaluation of his accomplishments Monday evening during a winter retreat for the school district’s board of trustees.
The retreat, which took place at the home of board member Jim Tarrant, was open to the public only for its call to order. The evaluation was done in closed session.
Board President James Houser said the evaluation was good.
“The decision was unanimous. We are very satisfied with his work,” Houser said.
He said Wardell, who could not be reached Tuesday, excused himself voluntarily from the executive session when the board began discussing his contract and salary. Houser said it is a fairly common practice.
“On Jan. 25, we will present the decision to the superintendent and the public at the board meeting,” Houser said. “I can’t discuss the details of the contract until that time.”
Houser said both Wardell and the board had suggestions for each other regarding future operating procedure.
“The entire board is very happy with his performance,” Houser said. “He’s gotten a lot of things done as far as public relations go, as far as academics and all other aspects go and we are pleased.”
He said a rare moment occurred prior to the meeting when people who read about Wardell’s evaluation in The Jacksonville Daily Progress called in to offer their own positive opinions on the superintendent’s work.
