New Flathead principal rescinds acceptance after plagiarism allegations

John Blackman, who was slated to officially become the new Flathead High School principal on July 1, has rescinded his acceptance of the position following plagiarism allegations.

Blackman is currently an assistant superintendent in the Blaine County School District in Idaho.

The document in question was an email Blackman sent to Flathead staff introducing himself, according to district administrators. Questions about the email’s content being plagiarized were raised by high school staff members, according Kalispell Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Andrea Johnson.

The plagiarism allegations were investigated and verified according to Johnson, and Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau updated Flathead staff on June 23 stating that “... we became aware that the majority of that email was plagiarized. After much discussion and deliberation, it was decided that it would be best if John rescinded his acceptance of the offer and not take the position as Principal for Flathead.”