New leadership driving change at Sussex Tech

New Sussex Tech Superintendent Stephen H. Guthrie knew all about dissent at Sussex Tech School District when he accepted the position in April.

“I know there’s work to do,” he said. “I’m very excited to be here, and everyone has been welcoming and willing to work on changes.”

With over 35 years of experience in public education, Guthrie, 62, comes to Tech after eight years as superintendent of 25,500-student Carroll County Public School District in Westminster, Md. 

Guthrie joined Tech less than a month after teachers demanded board resignations, citing a lack of accountability and transparency from a school board that, for several years prior, allowed school administrators to make decisions - including payments totaling more than $4 million - on construction projects without board knowledge.

The June 2017 State Auditor of Accounts report found construction company Common Sense Solutions LLC profited from financial arrangements with the district, and that Sussex Tech violated the state budget and accounting policy manual and avoided fair procurement procedures. The state auditor’s office report referred several related matters to the Department of Justice, but DOJ officials said no charges would be filed.

One step toward renewing faith in school leadership occurred at Tech’s July board of education meeting. Guthrie proposed forming advisory committees comprising teachers and citizens, as well as a budget oversight committee. These groups were promised by the board a year ago, but were never formed. Guthrie hopes to have the committees formed and presented to the board for approval at its September meeting.

Guthrie said Delaware law passed in 2009 requires a budget oversight committee. While Tech had a committee in place after that, Guthrie said it has been inactive for the past six years.

“So, we’re starting over,” he said. “We’ll oversee the public budget with input from the public.” 

Guthrie said Gov. John Carney has accepted the resignation of Tech school board president Pat Cooper; Guthrie is awaiting news on a replacement. 

Guthrie’s immediate priorities are reviewing and developing school policies.

“The format of the old policies is very antiquated. They’re not even electronic,” he said. “Many just need small tweaks, but others force a conversation on overall policy and regulations. The last policy is dated 2007. We’ll go through a review process so we’re compliant with the law.”

Guthrie said the board has limited his purchasing ability during his early transition into the new role.  

“I can’t purchase anything over $10,000, and I’m fine with that,” he said. “A lot of routine purchases fall outside $10,000, so in the future I will ask the board for reasonable authority. But right now, they’re looking at everything over $10,000.”

At June’s school board meeting, Sussex Tech staff stated they were told by the board in 2017 that they would have input in the interview and hiring process of new administrators, including superintendent and director of administrative services positions, but they had no such input.

On July 17, Guthrie announced the hiring of two new assistant principals. He said teaching staff was involved in the applicant screening and interview process for the new positions, filled by Tech science teacher Dean Johnson and Caesar Rodney High’s Holly Briel, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership.

“I promised teachers there would be no backroom deals,” he said. “Teacher input is welcome. We’ll be open and transparent.”

Guthrie said the school district is also seeking a public information officer.

“There’s so much happening here. We want to share the good news, and that’s gotten lost recently,” he said. “We want a really strong PIO to push out our info, respond to FOIA requests, enhance our social media presence and website.”

Guthrie said he is aware some critics say the school has lost its focus, turning away from its vocational training roots.

“There is a need for students to be trained in the trade skills,” he said. “We must ensure we’re in line with our mission.” 

Guthrie added that the main building was built in the early 1960s, with additions tacked on as enrollment grew.  In 2016, Sussex Tech submitted a certificate of necessity to Delaware Department of Education for construction of a new school, which was denied.

“We will pursue modernization or a new building,” he said. “The core facilities need to be expanded.”

If a new school is approved, a referendum would have to pass to approve a tax increase. 

“We have a path to set first,” Guthrie said. “The legislators need to see that and see the need for a new school.”

Guthrie and wife Barbara, a Stevenson University professor, have vacationed in their Bethany Beach home the past five years. When he saw Tech’s superintendent position listed in a professional journal, he was excited.

“I was fortunate to get the job,” he said. “I’m very excited my skill sets match the job, and the board felt the same way. Coming here has been great. It’s given me the challenge I needed.”