The action on the “lame duck” Marysville School Board in renewing the contract of the superintendent is appalling to say the least, and irresponsible at best. Obviously the mandate from the voters of Marysville meant absolutely nothing to these people. It appears this action was vindictive, almost a “we will show you” attitude.

The contention that this was a routine matter and should have been addressed several months ago after the board gave the superintendent a very positive evaluation, makes me wonder if the board thinks every concerned citizen of Marysville School District is stupid. It appears the extension was included in some routine consent items and slipped through without any public input.

Considering the no-confidence vote by the teachers and the apparent serious problems with finance that the recent audit brought to light, I wonder about their positive evaluation. In addition, I have to question the hiring of the new principal at Marysville-Pilchuck High School when the person selected had been taken out of Mariner High School supposedly because of an affair with the Mukilteo School District superintendent that led to his departure and a more than $300,000 golden parachute settlement. Perhaps Marysville School District has been set up for a similar “golden parachute” solution.

This whole situation should be a huge wakeup to all voters everywhere that these boards and commissions do have huge powers to spend taxpayer money, make commitments and completely ignore the will of the citizens in pursuing their own interest. In the case of Marysville School District, the interests of the board and the citizens are obviously very much opposed to each other.

Maybe this little dose of reality will make us all more cautious about whom we select for these positions.

Marysville