In a surprise move, Newbury Schools Treasurer Nancy McPeak resigned July 9 after six years on the job.
The announcement came toward the end of a contentious Newbury Schools Board of Education meeting after board President Maggie Zock gave a lengthy statement about why the question of levy renewals was not on the meeting agenda as planned.
During the last several meetings, McPeak has consistently recommended the board place two levy renewals on the Nov. 6 ballot. Deadline for filing the necessary paperwork with the Geauga County Board of Elections is next month.
The majority of board members questioned the need for the levies at this time, but said they are not opposed to the renewals at some point.
At their July 9 meeting, Zock said she was sorry the proposed levy issues were not on the agenda.
“The board has taken many steps since Jan. 1 to learn the financial status of the school,” Zock said, listing a state auditor’s study the board requested, several reports and financial projections by McPeak and other discussions.
The board needs to address a significant list of capital improvements needed, but also needs to discover whether merging or consolidating with either the Berkshire or West Geauga school districts is possible before deciding on the necessary expenditures, she said.
“Nancy has found an additional $600,000 in our general fund,” Zock said.
During her successful campaign for Newbury school board in November of 2017, Zock contended the district has considerably more money than had been reported in McPeak’s financial projections.
“I understand that some want levy renewals now, but the majority thinks now is not the right time,” Zock said. “We need to find out more on the consolidation question first. It is nearly impossible to campaign for levies without knowing our direction. I understand that some people may be disappointed and I urge you to be patient.”
After discussion and voting on most of the agenda items, Zock announced there was an additional item not on the agenda: the resignation and retirement of McPeak, effective July 31.
Several gasps were heard in the audience. McPeak showed no emotion.
“I always question your sanity,” board member Marty Sanders told McPeak. “When you came into this job, you were looking at a financial deficit, consolidation discussions and levies.”
Sanders credited McPeak with keeping the district financially afloat for six years during a difficult time, by her frugality, ability and good judgment.
“A lot of (our financial position) is due to Nancy,” Sanders said. “She was always saving and re-using rubber bands, using the backs of papers for scratch paper. I appreciate your foresight, Nancy. Thank you.”
Many in the audience applauded enthusiastically.
“We know it hasn’t been easy, dealing with new board members,” Zock told McPeak. “I appreciate the patience you’ve had with us as we went through the learning curve.”
Following the meeting, when asked whether she would care to comment on her retirement, McPeak said, “Nope.”
