Snake River teacher complaint draws crowds

Trustees in the Snake River School District will have to decide the fate of Elaine Asmus, a 28-year veteran science teacher.

It’s an emotional topic with some office intrigue thrown in.

The district administration recommends getting rid of Asmus at year’s end, painting the teacher as a bully who has killed efforts at collaboration. Idaho Education Association attorney Paul Stark said the problem stems from the district’s inability to properly handle personnel problems, according to Michael H. O’Donnell of the Idaho State Journal.

This personnel issue centers on a complaint filed against Asmus by Laura Gabrylczyk, a first-year teacher who is the wife of district Superintendent Mark Gabrylczyk.

A due process hearing Friday drew hundreds of spectators, the Idaho State Journal reported last week. The board picked up the hearing Monday and drew another big crowd, the Associated Press reports.

But with the conclusion of the hearings, the clock is ticking; trustees have 15 days to make a decision, the Journal reports

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