Facing felony charges, West Ada principal seeks his old job

A West Ada School District principal, facing felony child abuse charges, is back on paid leave, the Idaho Statesman reported.

And Tony Nelson hopes to get his old job back.

The Star Middle School principal has asked a judge to amend a no-contact order that prohibits him from being around children, according to a Monday story from Katy Moeller of the Statesman.

Nelson faces two counts of felony child abuse. Nelson and his wife Pamela are accused of abusing two children in their care.

Nelson’s jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 15, well after the start of the next school year, Moeller reported.

Vice Principal Tyler Pence will remain as acting principal for the start of the school year, district spokesman Eric Exline told Moeller. Nelson could be hired for a different job to start the year, and could return to his old job if he is exonerated. The district also could decide not to hire Nelson in any capacity, Moeller reported.

In May, the district said Nelson had been placed on unpaid leave. The district changed course, Exline told Moeller, since it was unclear whether the no-contact order extended from Nelson’s home to the workplace.

 

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]

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