Recall targets Middleton trustees after high school principal contract not renewed
MIDDLETON, Idaho (CBS 2) — Some Middleton residents are launching a formal recall effort of three school board trustees.
Recall organizers say a turbulent school board meeting Monday triggered the recall movement.
The board voted 3 to 1 to not renew Middleton High School principal Ben Merrill’s contract over the objections of many people present.
“The school board members have just made poor decisions consistently,” said recall organizer David Morgan. “The last decision to get rid of our beloved principal was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It’s time for new leadership in the community.”
The recall targets three of the school board trustees who voted not to renew Merrill’s contract: Tim Winkle, Alicia McConkie and Kirk Adams.
Merrill has also been the subject of an investigation into his claims that he was harassed by school district administrators.
The district’s report concluded there was no basis to the allegations Merrill was harassed or bullied but the report did say Merrill created a “dysfunctional” system for many of the staff at the high school.
Recall organizers hope to have the recall on the ballot in August and need some 700 signatures.
We spoke Ben Merrill who declined comment. We also out reached out to the school board but have not heard back.
