Hearing for school chief Wednesday

The Helena Flats school board will hear the results of an investigation of the school superintendent at a hearing on Wednesday.

Trustees are holding a disciplinary hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the investigation into alleged "inappropriate behavior" by Superintendent Paul Jenkins toward a student.

At a special meeting in March, board chairman Erik Wenum said trustees had received a letter accusing Jenkins of inappropriate conduct. Wenum did not elaborate on the accusation, but the board at that time considered suspending Jenkins immediately, with pay, while the alleged incident was under consideration.

The board ultimately agreed not to suspend Jenkins, but the investigation proceeded. The results will be discussed at Wednesday's hearing, which may be closed to the public.

The board's attorney, Tony Koenig, was reviewing several court decisions regarding school law. At stake is an individual's right to privacy versus the public's right to know, Wenum said.

To protect Jenkins' privacy, the board may opt to close the hearing to the public.

But if Jenkins waives his right to privacy, Wenum said the meeting likely will remain open. The final decision probably won't occur until Wednesday night, he said.

Jenkins declined to comment on the hearing.

The meeting's outcome may affect the school's leadership during the fall. Trustees voted in January not to renew Jenkins' superintendent contract, which expires June 30.

Ann Minckler, a Missoula principal, will replace him. She accepted the trustees' offer of a $70,000 salary, potential health benefits and a one-year contract, Wenum said.

Her exact position hasn't yet been defined. Minckler may be a superintendent with principal duties, or she may be only a superintendent.

Her role depends largely on what Jenkins decides to do next fall. He has a dual contract with Helena Flats, and even though the board dismissed him as a superintendent, Jenkins has tenure as a principal. He could work as a part-time principal at Helena Flats next year.

Jenkins said he hasn't made a decision.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or by e-mail at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com