Bauman steps away from bargaining table

Just one day after announcing that she will be leaving her position as the Coeur d'Alene School District superintendent, Hazel Bauman took a first step away from the job she has held since 2008.

Before teacher contract negotiations began Thursday, Bauman told the audience that although she plans to remain in her position in Coeur d'Alene until the end of June, she will no longer be on the board's negotiating team.

Bauman was the board's chief negotiator.

Kelly Ostrom, the district's human resources director, will now serve in the lead role at the board's side of the bargaining table.

"I think my role is compromised there. I think it's important for continuity since there is the potential that I will leave before they reach a settlement," Bauman said. "I have a lot of confidence in this team."

Bauman has accepted a position as superintendent in the Central Kitsap School District in western Washington. Her new job starts July 1.

The Coeur d'Alene school board is meeting at noon today at the Midtown Center to discuss its transition plan.