Carmel Superintendent Resigns Amidst 3-Month Paid Leave

Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent Nicholas Wahl resigned Friday amidst an ongoing review of his leadership that began in October.

A reason for the review has not been offered by district officials.

Wahl had been on paid administrative leave following apparent concerns by the school board over his management. Board members have said little about the reasons for the review.

"The board has concluded that a change in leadership is in the best interest of the school corporation," according to a statement released by the district. "The board believes that Dr. Wahl’s approach and leadership style are not consistent with the board’s vision."

Wahl will receive his contract salary and partial benefits through June 30, 2018, according to the board. He was under contract through June 30, 2022.

Wahl's current base pay is $209,000. His contract provided incentive pay up to 12 percent of his base salary.  He received the full amount of incentive pay, or $25,080, for the 2016-2017 year.

Daily school corporation operations have been handled jointly by Amy Dudley, assistant superintendent of curriculum, and Roger McMichael, associate superintendent of business affairs, since Wahl was placed on paid leave in October.

A search for a new superintendent will begin immediately, according to the board.

Wahl was hired as superintendent in August 2013 to lead the A-rated suburban district of around 16,000 students. Previously, he was superintendent of Hinsdale Township High School District 86 in Hinsdale, Illinois.

Carmel Clay Human Resource Director Corrine Middleton has also been placed on paid leave. Carmel Schools Board President Layla Spanenberg previously told the Indianapolis Star that Wahl's review was related to his relationship with Middleton.

Here is the full statement from the district:

The Carmel Clay School Board has accepted the resignation of Dr. Nicholas Wahl as its
Superintendent of Schools effective immediately. The Board had previously placed Dr. Wahl on paid administrative leave pending a review of district leadership.

The Board has concluded that a change in leadership is in the best interest of the school corporation. The Board believes that Dr. Wahl’s approach and leadership style are not consistent with the Board’s vision.

The Board and Dr. Wahl have mutually agreed to sever their relationship. Indiana law provides public employees with certain privacy rights regarding their employment relationship. For that reason, public agencies may conduct executive sessions to evaluate job performance. Consistent with Indiana law, the Board will not comment publicly on personnel matters.

At the present time, Dr. Wahl is under contract to serve as superintendent through June 30, 2022. The Board and Dr. Wahl have entered into a resignation agreement under which he will receive his contract salary and partial benefits through June 30, 2018. He will not receive the deferred portion of the incentive compensation that was awarded for prior contract years nor will there be an incentive compensation award for the 2017-18 contract year.

The Board anticipates beginning a search for a new superintendent immediately with the intent of having that person in place by July 1, 2018.

Contact WFYI education reporter Eric Weddle at eweddle@wfyi.org or call (317) 614-0470. Follow on Twitter: @ericweddle.