A brief executive session began the Clearfield County Prison Board meeting Tuesday so that the board members could discuss a recent personnel change.
When the meeting officially started, the board members noted that Warden David Rupprecht submitted a letter of resignation effective March 5 and that Deputy Warden Krisha Oates has been acting warden beginning March 6.
It was noted that the staff like and respect Oates and that the transition has been smooth.
While the board members could not say immediately what would happen in regards to filling the warden position, Commissioner Dave Glass stated that Oates would be a good candidate for the position but they want to wait until they have a full board to discuss and vote.
During the financial report Controller Robert Edwards stated that they have had to pay a lot of overtime due to a shortage in the number of full-time corrections officers.
Ideally they would like to have over 30 and right how have about 26.
“I don’t think anyone things 26 is enough,” Glass remarked after they learned that current population at the jail is 159.
Deputy Warden of Programs Susan McClellan stated that part of the rise in the population is due to sentencing court Monday and that 6-7 of those are slated to be sent to state prison.
In regards to work release, currently three inmates are participating and two others would be eligible.
The board discussed possibilities of getting other inmates involved in the program, possibly those who already have jobs and have been unable to post bail.
The program has a long list of requirements and restrictions, which is why only a small number of inmates are eligible.
District Attorney Ryan Sayers said he would reach out to other counties and see how their programs work and see if there are other options they could take advantage of.
The board also reviewed a letter from the department of corrections regarding the recent Inspection and Audit of the jail in August.
The letter states, “Initial inspection observations were adequately addressed through the preliminary findings period. There are no standing deficiencies or citations to report. Warden David Rupprecht and the Clearfield County Jail staff deserve credit for their efforts in operating this facility in accordance with statewide correctional standards. Staff at the Clearfield County Jail should be proud of their accomplishments and are encouraged to maintain this level of compliance.”
As a result, the jail was granted a biennial inspection cycle and the next inspection will be in 2026, although McClellan said they are planning a mock audit next year in order to maintain standards and be prepared for 2026.
