New EC City Manager Chosen

After a long process of hiring, Eau Claire’s City Council has appointed Russ Van Gompel as the city manager. He should start his position on Nov. 5. Brian Amundson – who’s been the interim manager since Mike Huggins left last year – will continue until then. Van Gompel is currently the village manager for Brown Deer, Wis. and before that worked in Little Chute and Wayzata, Minn.

Agreement Reached For New EC School Superintendent

The Eau Claire School Board and new superintendent Mary Ann Hardebeck of the Eau Claire Area School District have reached a contractual agreement; allowing Hardebeck to officially start her position in early September. A written contract was not drawn up and signed by Hardebeck when she was hired and a month later the Eau Claire Area School District board members became concerned that a written agreement had not been reached.  As a result, a written two year contract was created and finished for the board meeting that took place on Monday, August 20. Prior to accepting her position as the Eau Claire Area School District superintendent, Hardebeck was the superintendent of Loundau City School District; a district with a population of 66,000 or around six times more students than the Eau Claire Area School District.

City Council spot open

An at-large position on the Eau Claire City Council is now available – without the process of running for election. Dana Wachs vacated the position earlier this month and applications for the position will be available soon. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Eau Claire. Openings for an at-large position can draw more candidates from the city because of the lack of campaigning.  The candidates will have to fill out an application and write an essay about why they want the job. Candidates will also have an opportunity to give a five minute speech to the council before they make a decision. The city council meet this week (Tuesday) to discuss an application deadline for the vacant position.