Judge Blocks Woolnough Reassignment Judge Says School Board Acted Improperly

Sandpoint High School Principal A.C. Woolnough, who was handed a controversial demotion last month, will get to keep his job for now.

A judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday to stop the school board from demoting Woolnough to a teaching post.

First District Court Judge James Judd said the district wrongly canceled Woolnough’s contract. School officials failed to give Woolnough proper written notice, a hearing or put him on probation before demoting him, he said.

“Woolnough will be irreparably injured if the district is permitted to proceed with its reassignment … without first affording him his rights,” Judd wrote.

School district attorney Charles Dodson said he was surprised by the decision. He had argued the law requires only teachers, not administrators, be afforded a hearing and probation.

“I can’t say what we will do about this until the board has a chance to meet and discuss it,” he said.

The school district can request another court hearing and fight the decision. Trustees also could start the demotion process all over and still try to reassign Woolnough.

Steve Verby, Woolnough’s attorney, said he hopes that doesn’t happen.

“I am hopeful this decision will cause the district to re-examine its position and will work towards resolving the problem,” Verby said. “It’s time this matter be settled out of court by communication, not litigation.”

Woolnough has headed Sandpoint High School for four years, and received high marks for his performance from past administrations.

But last month, the board voted to oust Woolnough at the end of the year and give him a teaching job. Their decision was based on one poor evaluation Woolnough received from a central office administrator. Trustees also cited “philosophical differences.”

The move prompted an uproar from patrons, teachers and students who have thrown their support behind Woolnough.

Some teachers at the high school are wearing black arm bands. Residents made pleas in radio and newspaper ads requesting Woolnough be reinstated. Others are selling “Support A.C.” buttons and contributing money to pay for Woolnough’s legal battle.

Verby now wants to meet with district officials and a mediator to resolve the controversy without more legal action.

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