Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - A Wawasee school board member who was the target of an outburst by superintendent Henry Smith said he hopes to smooth over relations with the school district's chief executive.
John Weiss said the altercation at Tuesday's board meeting was a misunderstanding.
The confrontation between Smith and Weiss occurred toward the end of Tuesday's board meeting after Weiss complimented another board member, Mike Smith.
Weiss complimented Mike Smith, in part, by saying he was "more than a cheerleader." But the superintendent immediately took exception to the comment, believing it was an indirect attack aimed at him.
After saying he resented the comment, the superintendent became more upset. As the discussion became heated, board president Carol Swartzendruber quickly called for adjournment.
Henry Smith stood up and approached Weiss, who was still seated, according to witnesses.
According to at least one witness, Smith had to be physically restrained by Mark Stock, director of instruction.
As one observer put it, Smith jumped on Weiss "like a cat on a mouse."
"I pushed a hot button which I didn't know I pushed," Weiss said Thursday.
"Superintendents are people, too. They're human."
Weiss said he talked with Smith Thursday, and they are expected to meet again early next week. He said he doesn't expect any board action.
"If there was some ongoing problem between the superintendent and the board, that would be one thing. This is an isolated incident. There is not a problem between the superintendent and the board, nor is there a problem between the superintendent and me."
The superintendent didn't want to discuss the issue Thursday.
"When the meeting's adjourned, it's a private situation ... Anything that happens after the meeting is adjourned is personal," Smith said.
Asked if he regrets the incident, Smith replied: "I have no comment. Everybody has a right to their opinion. I have mine and Mr. Weiss has his."
The board meets Tuesday and may discuss the incident.
Smith said he had no plans to apologize because "I don't have nothing to apologize for."
Weiss, a Milford resident, is seeking re-election and has two opponents on the ballot.
