State drops case against Dietrich teacher

Months after the case of Tim McDaniel drew national and international media attention, the case is now closed.

In March, four parents had filed complaints against the veteran science teacher in rural Dietrich High School; one complaint focused on McDaniel’s use of the word “vagina” in a sex education class.

The state’s Professional Standards Commission “determined that there were not sufficient grounds upon which to pursue discipline,” Education Department spokeswoman Melissa McGrath told the Times-News in Twin Falls Thursday.

Nonetheless, McDaniel told The Times-News that he won’t teach about the human reproductive system in biology class this year.  “It’s sad because the kids need it, but I don’t need the headaches,” he said.

Here’s a link to a previous blog post on the flap.

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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