Concern over how Superintendent Martin Laster spends his personal time prompted a heated discussion during the South Whidbey Board of Education workshop Monday night.

Prompting the discussion was Laster’s recent election to The Giraffe Project’s board of directors. The talking item was added to agenda late Friday afternoon by board President Ray Gabelein.

The Giraffe Project, headquartered in Langley, is a non-profit organization involved in producing educational curriculum and honoring people who are heroes for solving problems. Its board of directors meets four times a year.

Gabelein wanted to find out Laster’s status on the board. However, his questions were largely rhetorical, since Laster was absent due to illness from the meeting.

“My concern was whether he would be serving as a private citizen or a representative of the school district and whether there would be a conflict of interest,” Gabelein said to start off the discussion.

On hand at the meeting was John Graham, co-founder of The Giraffe Project. He explained Laster’s role with his organization.

“From the beginning we have always had an education person on the board,” Graham said. “Dr. Laster is perfect for us. It is an honor to have him.”

Concern over a conflict of interest arose because The Giraffe Project produces educational curriculum that is purchased by school districts. Graham said his organization has not sold any material to South Whidbey School District. The Giraffe Project has donated reading curriculum to Langley Middle School and South Whidbey High School since 1991.

“Our board has a conflict of interest policy that would require Dr. Laster to recuse himself when appropriate,” Graham said.

Graham said Giraffe has strong links to the South Whidbey School District, having employed several district teachers over the years to assist with Giraffe’s educational efforts.”

Board Director Jim Adsley questioned whether Laster’s work with The Giraffe Project might distract him from his work duties.

“I am concerned because we may be dealing with a lack of oversight in the central office,” he said. “Maybe too much of his energy is going to the outside.”

Several people, including Director Helen Price-Johnson, lauded Laster for his community involvement.

During its October 2002 meeting, the board unanimously approved superintendent goals for 2002-2005 that included a charge “to upgrade and improve existing communication channels with visibility in the community and visibility with civic organizations.”

Locally, Laster also serves on the South Whidbey Commons and Goosefoot Community Fund boards, and the South Whidbey Schools Foundation advisory board.

“These boards are very appropriate boards for our superintendent to be involved with,” Price-Johnson said.

It was pointed out by central office staff that the boards meet in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Clinton resident and audience member Lois Beck found the discussion to be inappropriate.

“Aren’t we talking about his free time here?” she said. “He should be able to do what he wants on his own time.”

Director Bob Riggs said he sees the appointment to the Giraffe board as an honor, but said discussion of the should occur during Laster’s evaluation.