Timeline of events for TCS superintendent controversies

The issue surrounding incoming superintendent Van McWreath is not the first controversy the district has faced regarding a superintendent. The following is a timeline that showcases the district's dealings with previous superintendent Gary Barber, as well as related developments that occurred after Barber's departure. March 2017The Tiffin City Board of Education appointed a new superintendent during a special board meeting Wednesday night. The board approved a $175,000 per year, three-year contract for Gary Barber, former superintendent of Marion City Schools. June 2017Gary Barber was cited with two motor vehicle violations following a single-vehicle accident, operating a vehicle while under the influence, a first-degree misdemeanor, and failure to control, a minor misdemeanor, according to court documents. Barber was taken into custody and released on a $528 bond, according to court documents. May 9, 2018Voters continued to support Tiffin City Schools with the passage of a renewal levy. The levy was approved by 2,254 votes, or about 65.6%. The 4.2-mill levy is for 10 years and is to generate $1.6 million annually. July 11, 2018Former Superintendent Vicki A. Wheatley of Tiffin City Schools sued the school district and school board. According to court documents, the lawsuit in U.S. District Court alleged retaliation, gender discrimination, a hostile work environment and unequal pay based on gender. Wheatley served as superintendent of Tiffin City Schools from Jan. 1, 2014, to July 31, 2017. Sep. 03, 2019Wheatley's lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Tiffin City Schools and its board of education were settled. The terms of the settlement were not publicly disclosed. May 2019According to Assistant Superintendent Robert Boes, Superintendent Gary Barber had been out on medical leave and is anticipated to return June 3, 2019. Barber had been on medical leave since April 17. July 23, 2019The Tiffin City Board of Education approved a $998,000 purchase agreement for 82-acres of land. This property — located on SR 231 — is for the proposed PreK-5 building the district has intentions of constructing. December 2019Barber again was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Barber again was placed on a medical leave of absence. Dec. 10, 2019Tiffin City Board of Education unanimously decided to appoint Assistant Superintendent Bob Boes as the district's superintendent pro tempore. Dec. 17, 2019The Tiffin City Board of Education decided to move forward with the bond issue. Board member Dean Henry had requested to place the motion to remove the $40 million bond issue. The motion failed with a three-two vote with Board President Andrew Gase, Vice President Chris Widman and Board Member Jeff Hoyda voting to keep moving forward with the bond issue. Board members Henry and Victor Perez voted to remove the issue. Henry had said at the time he knew there was a need for new buildings, but to move forward at that point would be unfair to the district. Henry said the perception of the community did not separate the bond issue from the ongoing issue of Superintendent Gary Barber, who was then on medical leave following his second OVI charge. Jan. 28, 2020Barber submitted his resignation, effective July 31. Tiffin City Board of Education unanimously approved a settlement agreement for Barber. According to the agreement, "the Parties wish[ed] to amicably discontinue their employment relationship so that each party may address their present needs." Barber would spend the rest of his contract on paid sick leave. Barber was to be paid longevity pay of $20,000 when he completed the third year of his contract. He also was to be paid for the accrued, unused vacation leave, up to a maximum of 30 days, and for all accrued, unused personal leave at the current per diem rate of $787.23 per day, according to the agreement. April 2, 2020Barber was again convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence, and also a traffic lane violation. Barber pleaded no contest to the OVI charge and was found guilty, and the traffic lanes/line violation was dismissed, according to court records. April 29, 2020Voters within the Tiffin City School District voted against a 38-year, 5.35-mill bond issue for a proposed preK-6 school building. Results were 1,967 for the bond issue, and 3,180 against. June 17, 2020Tiffin City Board of Education entered into a 1-year contract with James Grubbs Jr. to serve the district as interim superintendent. The board approved a contract of $133,000 for Grubbs. Jan. 27, 2021The Tiffin City Board of Education approved a resolution to move forward with placing a 6.9-mill property tax levy on the ballot in May. The board approved the property tax over a 1% earned income tax. May 04, 2021A 6.9-mill property tax levy for Tiffin City Schools failed at 71%. Votes against the levy were 1,698, with 668 for the levy.