Manheim School Board accepts Pate-Hefty’s resignation

The Manheim Township School Board unanimously accepted the resignation of Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty at its meeting Thursday night, but she will continue to receive her $227,000 yearly salary until June 30.

The board also voted to appoint Dr. Martin Hudacs as substitute superintendent.

Pate-Hefty was placed on paid administrative leave in February. She took the job as Manheim Township school superintendent less than a year ago on July 1.

Pate-Hefty’s departure has been shrouded in mystery. Board President Patrick Grenter cited a confidentiality clause in her contract.

“That clause bore no weight in these actions and our decision,” Gretner told a crowd of about 70 in the district boardroom. “We would not discuss personnel matters during the process. That could expose the district to significant liability.”

Grenter says confidentiality agreements aren’t uncommon. But several residents of Manheim Township who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting disagreed and criticized the board’s handling of the superintendent situation.

“The board president says this clause is common,” said Todd Heckman. “I’m not sure if that’s accurate. That’s a huge red flag and a dereliction of duties.”

Resident Marty Kieffer said transparency has been lacking in the process.

“You’ve given no reasons for her departure,” he said. “You’ve taken no ownership of the situation. You didn’t research her.”

Resident Elizabeth Muehlbach called the situation a black eye for the district.

“How embarrassed I feel to be a member of this community right now which is usually excellent,” Muehlbach said. “The Board failed to exercise due diligence in filling this position. A Google search would have revealed this was not the right choice.”

Muehlbach is referring to a report by a newspaper in a Wisconsin school district where Pate-Hefty worked as superintendent before coming to Manheim Township.

Through an open records request, the GazetteXtra in Wisconsin reported that Pate-Hefty received mixed reviews from staff about how she ran the district. The newspaper reported that negative evaluations centered on concerns about poor leadership and staff retention under Pate-Hefty.

Residents also brought up the cost of Pate-Hefty’s departure.

“This is a big error on your part,” Kieffer said. “You are spending money like it grows on trees. You are spending taxpayer money. Your poor leadership should not punish the taxpayer.”

Parent and teacher Abby Foster questioned the contract and hiring process.

“Who is responsible for the privacy clause in the contract?” Foster asked board members from the podium. “What made you select someone from another state where it was reported there was a toxic work environment?”

Grenter told the community members, “We are committed to learning from this outcome.”

The selection of Hudacs as interim superintendent drew strong approval. He had previously served in a similar capacity in Manheim Township a decade ago. He is also the former superintendent of the Solance School District.

Board Vice President Shannon Zimmerman said, “We are confident Dr. Hudacs is the right leader for Manheim Township. Dr. Hudacs will bring calm and a thoughtful approach to the job.”

Residents seemed to agree with the board on his appointment. 

“Great job bringing Dr. Hudacs in,” Heckman said. “Great choice. Keep him as long as you can. He’s fantastic.”

Hudacs starts Friday as the board begins the search once again for a new superintendent.

Barbara Barr is a former reporter for WGAL in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley where she led political coverage that earned a Walter Cronkite Award.