Non-renewal nullified in one minute meeting
Milan High School principal reinstated
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

In a one-minute meeting last Friday, March 3, the Board of School Trustees of the Milan Community School Corporation rescinded an earlier decision to not renew the contract of Principal Michael Parks. The special session was called to order by Board President David Voss at 7:30 a.m.

"Regretfully, due to a technical error, I make the following motion: On behalf of the Board of School Trustees of the Milan Community School Corporation, I move that the Corporation rescinds the non-renewal of Michael Parks' contract as principal of Milan High School for the 2006-2007 school year," stated board member Anita Pitts. She continued, "It is the intent of the Corporation to nullify said non-renewal, due to a technical deficiency in a notice. The non-renewal shall be deemed null and void."

Parks was awarded a one-year contract for the 2006-2007 school year, beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007. The motion by Pitts was seconded by Edward Amberger and carried with a 4-0 vote. Board member Anthony Veldhaus was not present at the meeting.

Board members in attendance besides Pitts and Amberger included Stephanie Baker and David Voss.

The decision to not renew Parks' contract had stirred up controversy within the community and some students. At a February meeting, Daniel Fleming, senior class president, addressed the board questioning previous early morning meetings where the decision was made to not renew Parks' contract. He was told by one board member to get his facts straight before bringing his complaints to the board.

Fleming was present at the March 3, meeting and said he felt "justice was served." He noted that he, along with some other students, are glad to see the principal reinstated and hopes to see further changes made after the primary election on May 2.