Wadsworth Superintendent Andy Hill accepts last chance agreement

WADSWORTH — Wadsworth Schools Superintendent Andy Hill entered into a last-chance agreement to continue serving as superintendent. On Friday, the Wadsworth Board of Education held a special meeting to hold an executive session regarding personnel. Following the meeting, the board released a statement, which said it was recently made aware of the personnel matters and took immediate action. "The board is taking the appropriate action to ensure full compliance with the policies and guidelines of the Wadsworth City School District," the board communication said. According to the last-chance agreement, which was included in the Friday meeting minutes, Hill entered into the agreement in consideration of the board not initiating termination proceedings. "This agreement is the last chance for the superintendent to show that the superintendent is a valuable employee and is able to carry out all reasonable work expectations," the agreement states. Wadsworth Schools did not provide a reasoning for what prompted the agreement. The Medina Gazette reached out to Hill but did not receive an immediate response. The agreement stated that any violation of the agreement and/or future disciplinary conduct as determined by the board on or before July 31, 2026, shall be either progressive discipline and/or just cause for immediate termination. A statement from Hill, released Friday afternoon, said the Wadsworth Board of Education engaged in the process over the last month and decided to offer the agreement to him. The agreement states he accepted a $6,740 reduction in salary for the 2023-24 contract term. "I would like to thank the Board of Education for giving me the opportunity to share this message with the Wadsworth City School District Community," Hill said. "My message today is simple, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the distraction my personal actions have caused our Board of Education and others." Hill is also required to meet with an employee assistance program provider regarding workplace stress performance, employee well-being and anything else recommended by the provider, the agreement states. According to the agreement, he must participate in 20-40 hours of professional development covering board policies, administrative guidelines, administrator guidelines, executive coaching and all other areas recommended by the board as well. Hill must enroll in the programs commencing no later than Jan. 31 and shall participate in these programs through July 31, the agreement states. "While I have a number of personal issues that I'm currently working through and many decisions that need to be made with those I care about, I will not let those issues impact the job I have been hired to do," he said. "I continue to care deeply about our students, our employees, our board and our community."