Fair-Mont-Egan principal resigns

The Fair-Mont-Egan School principal and school board chairwoman have resigned in the wake of a board decision not to renew the principal’s contract without cause.

The board accepted Fair-Mont-Egan School principal David Allen’s resignation letter during meeting Tuesday, April 17.

Allen’s letter of resignation stated: “It is with a heavy heart and a lot of thought, as well as my health concerns for myself and family I resign my position effective noon Friday 4/13/18. I am thankful for the opportunity that you all gave me here at FME. Best of luck in the future.”

The resignation follows a 3-2 vote by the school board not to renew Allen’s contract without citing a cause at a March 19 meeting. Trustees Todd Spangler, Jen Stebbins-Han and vice-chairman Luke Vollertson voted in favor of the non-renewal, while chairwoman Megan Koppes and Mark Siderius voted against.

Allen was hired in August 2017, replacing Christine Schmidt-Anthony, who decided not to renew her contract following a sabbatical teaching abroad. Allen’s one-year contract would have ended in June.

The school board’s initial vote not to renew Allen’s contract was met with a public outcry. Trustees received dozens of public comments and letters from parents, staff and community members. The majority of comments favored retaining Allen, detailing the impact he’s had on the school and students, while making a plea for the board to reconsider its decision. Some people questioned the board’s process and whether or not all trustees were in the loop on discussions surrounding the recommendation of non-renewal. There were also some comments and letters voicing trust and support in the board to make decisions in the school’s and students’ best interests.

Following the March 19 board vote, Koppes stepped down from her role as school board chairwoman and suggested Vollerston take over. Koppes has served on the board since 2015 and plans to stay on as a trustee until May when the board reorganizes.

In a resignation letter to her fellow trustees dated March 20 she noted that while it had been an honor to support teachers and staff, her leadership as chairwoman had “been marginalized and undermined” and was no longer productive. She also alleged that some trustees are not complying with various policies.

Vollertson will serve as the chairman through May, with Siderius as vice chairman.

Retired administrator Paul Jenkins will serve as interim principal through mid-June. Jenkins previously served as an interim superintendent at the Fair-Mont-Egan School from January to June 2017 when accreditation standards required the position based on enrollment.

The district has selected the Montana School Boards Association to conduct an administrator search, which may cost up to $7,000.

Trustees also retained legal counsel through the Montana School Boards Association to investigate complaints or allegations that have arisen out of recent events.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.