West Ada trustees terminate Clark’s contract

On Monday night, West Ada school trustees refused to accept Superintendent Linda Clark’s resignation — voting to terminate her instead.
West Ada district logoTrustees said Clark walked off her job in the middle of her contract, and used her position to promote political activities or candidates, Bill Roberts of the Idaho Statesman reported late Monday night.

Board chair Tina Dean declined to elaborate on the politicking allegation, Roberts reported.

Clark also isn’t talking about Monday’s developments.

Clark resigned abruptly on Oct. 23, saying she was forced out by trustees. Dean and fellow trustee Russell Joki say Clark was never asked to resign.

Here’s more from Monday night’s meeting from Holly Beech of Meridian Press.

In other developments from West Ada, a recall campaign targeting trustee Mike Vuittonet surfaced Monday, and hit a snag.

Recall organizers turned in 30 signatures Monday, but the Ada County clerk’s office could confirm only 19 signatures. It takes 20 signatures to launch a recall.

More on the recall story from Jake Melder of KIVI-TV.

Vuittonet has emerged as Clark’s main supporter on the board. The recall says Vuittonet violated the open meeting law by supporting a contract extension for Clark, which had been discussed behind closed doors.

Dueling recalls are in the works in West Ada. Another group is organizing recalls against the remaining four trustees — Dean, Joki, Carol Sayles and Julie Madsen — saying the four have pushed Clark out.

 

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

Get EdNews in your inbox

Weekly round up every Friday