The Knox Community School Board members heard public comments Monday night during their special meeting concerning the action item on the agenda of a non-renewal of an administrator’s contract, specifically for High School Principal Glenn Barnes.
Several people provided comments on the positive impact Barnes has had as a leader at the Knox Community School Corporation and has partnered with families who have struggled in the community. He has held administrative positions at all three schools within the school corporation over the last 26 years. Those who spoke noted his work with children and the effort made to care about the students and going the extra mile for students. His work with teachers was also to his credit.
While it was stated by the board attorney that the board members would not be answering questions of the public, the public asked why the board would consider not renewing the contract, and about personnel evaluations.
In the end, a motion was made and seconded in support of the non-renewal of the contract with no further discussion by the board. It passed with a 4-3 vote with board members Kirk Bennett, Jason Downs, Wendy McIntire, and Autumn Ferch in support of the motion, and Mike Lord, Erin Duff, and Gary Dulin against the motion.
