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North Branch Area Schools Board Trustee Ginger Russell gave the district's superintendent the label and said she was disappointed in him over his actions following two incidents. She motioned for the rest of the board to join her in the vote, but that motion failed due to lack of support.

Russell voiced her frustration after learning Piwinski and his administrative team hired someone new to handle payroll for the district. She said she was under the understanding the position would be considered and filled internally.

"It's pretty apparent (a new employee) is hired," Russell said to Piwinski. "We are your checks and balances and you looked beyond. If what we say doesn't matter why are we sitting here? It's very frustrating.

"We asked you to do this. I'm not confident we're going in the right direction. I have no communication with Al."

Piwinski said he had the authority as superintendent to fill the open position.

"I was under the understanding we'd talk about this," Trustee Kevin McCrory said. "I didn't think he'd go out and hire someone."

Despite being told it could have some legal ramifications, McCrory motioned not to hire the new payroll employee, but the motion failed. He then motioned not to hire someone outside of the district, which resulted in a 3-3 deadlock.

Russell also said she wasn't pleased Piwinski decided to move the central office into a temporary house while renovations are going on in the district.

Piwinski has two years remaining on his contract with the district. After that he has stated he plans to retire.

Piwinski was recently a candidate for the superintendent position in the Deckerville School District in Sanilac County, but did not get that position.

During the public comment segment of the meeting, an audience member said how Piwinski defied the board would be grounds for insubordination in the "real world."

When reached by telephone Tuesday through his secretary, Piwinski replied, "I'm sorry she feels the way she does, but our administrative team and I try to make the best decision for the North Branch Area Schools and the kids we serve."