The Sunnyvale Sun

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'Facts' timeline in Katz/Krieger flap could take a while

By ERIN HUSSEY

The attorney hired Sept. 19 to investigate the timeline of events leading up to popular teacher Tim Krieger's resignation says he needs more time.

At the Fremont Union High School District board meeting Oct. 3, attorney Thomas Sharpe of Bennett and Sharpe Inc. gave board members an update on his investigation.

Sharpe said three weeks ago, he knew nothing about the situation, but that no longer is the case. Sharpe said he has probably interviewed half of the staff members who were key players, but added that with each interview, new leads come up. Those leads sometimes require contacting other sources. Despite his steady progress, Sharpe needs more time. "I do not believe that this is likely to be completed by the 17th," he said.

Sharpe explained he and his partner, Barry Bennett, are focusing on three main steps. First is to gather all the necessary evidence, second is to assimilate what they have found and the third is to draft a report, which will take the most time.

"I don't want to underestimate the time for this," Sharpe said.

Sharpe's talk of a "report" and the Oct. 17 deadline sparked a heated debate between several members of the board.

"The deadline was never voted on," trustee Homer Tong said. He encouraged Sharpe to take as much time as he needed to complete the investigation.

Kathyrn Ho was also concerned about the Oct. 17 deadline and asked Sharpe where he had come up with the date. Minutes of the Sept. 19 meeting confirm Sharpe was told to have the timeline completed by Oct. 17.

"What is a 'timeline' investigation versus a 'thorough' investigation?" asked board president Avie Katz. Sharpe said the task at hand is to gather all evidence and reach a conclusion about what really happened.

Nancy Newton agreed with the need for a thorough investigation, but said she understood the motion the board passed was for an independent party to determine the order of events, not form a conclusion. At issue, among other things, is the timing of Krieger's resignation as it relates to Katz having approached former Superintendent Steven Rowley about whether Krieger was qualified for a job he sought in the guidance office.

The board agreed Sharpe did not have to meet the Oct. 17 deadline but still would have to stay within the budgeted 60 hours of investigation. Sharpe agreed that was reasonable.