Why Hazel voted 'no' on hires

By KEITH COUSINS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — Christa Hazel says she’s a firm believer in second chances.

But as a Coeur d’Alene School District trustee, she added it’s her responsibility to protect students and work in the best interest of the district.

“The patterns and convictions that I’ve seen create a potential safety issue for students and could increase the district’s liability,” Hazel told The Press when asked Tuesday about the latest batch of district hires.

During Monday’s regular meeting of the board, Hazel cast the only “no” vote on the consent calendar — a group of items that require trustee approval but are considered routine business — over concerns about new hires. A search by The Press revealed at least two of the seven individuals who had their new employment approved by trustees have questionable histories.

According to the Idaho Repository, a public database of court records, a man who was hired as a bus driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in 2015. Although the misdemeanor charge appears on the repository as being dismissed, it was removed from his record only after completion of court-ordered probation and community service.

The bus driver’s employment date was listed in the personnel packet as April 14.

Another new employee, hired as an assistant high school coach, was convicted of two misdemeanor charges in 2014 — one for driving without a license and the other for failing to use a court-ordered Ignition Interlock device, which are installed in cars and require an individual to pass a breathalyzer test before the vehicle will run. The same individual was cited in March with an infraction for driving without a license.

His employment date was listed in the personnel packet as beginning at the start of the 2016-2017 baseball season, meaning the individual was already working before trustees approved his hire.

Acting Superintendent Trina Caudle said information is gathered on applicants in addition to what is provided in the application for employment. Once that information is processed, Caudle said, a recommendation is made as to “who is best qualified for the position.”

When asked if she had concerns similar to Hazel’s regarding the most recently approved group of employees, Caudle said the district “cannot discuss applicant or personnel records.”

Caudle added the district is focused on the ongoing improvement of its hiring practices.

“We expect these improvements will help us build a stronger workforce, streamline our processes, and allow us to more quickly identify candidates who meet and exceed Idaho statute requirements,” she said.

Hazel’s peers on the board of trustees were asked by The Press if they shared her concerns with new hires and why they voted “yes” on the most recent batch of new employees.

Trustee Tambra Pickford said the board and administration have “been working hard on the hiring process,” adding she is confident in the direction the group is heading. Board Chair Casey Morrisroe also said he was confident with work being done to improve hiring practices.

“I look forward to our continued discussions as we consider background check solutions, digital fingerprint scan equipment and ‘best practice’ recommendations,” he added.

Trustee Tom Hearn said although he is unable to discuss the specifics of any particular employee, a misdemeanor conviction is not "in itself grounds for disqualification to work for the school district." Instead, Hearn said, it is important to consider all aspects of the individual, including behavior on the job and other history.

"I don't believe that it is the board's job to personally investigate every hire," he added. "As long as appropriate policies and procedures are in place and human resources is doing their job, I will trust their judgment in most cases."

Trustee Dave Eubanks did not respond to a request for comment.